Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Golf GTD hatchback review

The Volkswagen Golf GTD is a superb all-rounder but the perks of owning a diesel are fading fast

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Desirable
  • Potent engine
  • Easy to live with

Cons

  • Expensive
  • High BiK tax
  • GTI is more fun

When diesel sales boomed, the Volkswagen Golf GTD became a very popular alternative to the GTI, with virtually identical styling but a major advantage when it came to running costs. Now the tables have turned against diesel, and tax rates means most company-car drivers will have their eyes on the plug-in hybrid GTE instead.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Is there still a place for the GTD? Perhaps if you do lots of miles, as this is when diesel engines still make the most sense, often providing fuel economy of more than 50mpg and a long range. If you do fewer than 12,000 miles a year or so, the petrol-powered GTI is more fun and shouldn't prove much more expensive to run.

Best hot hatchbacksTop 10 best hot hatchbacks 2024

In keeping with tradition, the GTD gets almost the same interior and exterior upgrades as the GTI but aficionados will be able to spot the GTD's twin exhausts on one side of the rear bumper, rather than the dual exhausts fitted at either side on the GTI. The GTD also gets model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels and its cloth seats have grey tartan inserts. There's also an attractive sports steering wheel and more exciting graphics for the digital instruments.

The engine is a new 2.0-litre diesel with 197bhp and 400Nm of torque, giving the GTD 10bhp more than the Focus ST diesel and the feel of a car with a bigger engine. Squeeze the throttle and it will squeeze your kidneys as the GTD picks up speed with real conviction. We'd go for the Dynamic Chassis Control upgrade because adjustable suspension suits the Golf's character, allowing it to handle with real precision without upsetting ride quality too much. Its official fuel-efficiency figure is up to 54.3mpg, compared with around 38mpg for the GTI.

As you'd expect, the Golf GTD is still a very competent all-rounder, but where it once offered big savings for business, and even some private buyers, shifting rules around taxation means that's no longer the case. It's a good car but unless you have a high annual mileage, it makes more sense to go for the GTI instead and have even more fun.

MPG, running costs & CO2

Decent fuel economy but diesel isn't the money saving option it once was

British drivers have largely fallen out of love with diesel but for now at least, it still has its uses. For the GTD that means high-mileage drivers; unless you're racking up serious motorway miles, the petrol GTI makes more sense.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Where the GTD scores big is its official fuel economy of up to 54.3mpg, which easily beats the 38.2mpg figure of the GTI. Drive gently on the motorway and 60mpg+ is within reach without too much effort. Not only does this save you some money over time, it also means you don’t have to stop for fuel so often, which is good on long journeys. Drive in a more spirited fashion on more varied roads and fuel economy will slip into the 40s.

One area where the GTD's advantage has diminished, however, is for company-car drivers. The government's decision to steer people away from diesel means it sits in a far higher Benefit-in-Kind band than the plug-in hybrid GTE, which is now the pick for business drivers thanks to its low CO2 emissions.

It's worth checking if insurance is affordable, as the GTD's performance means it sits in group 27 out of 50, which is fairly high for a family hatchback. The petrol Golf GTI is just one group higher.

Engines, drive & performance

A punchy performer with unflappable handling

Volkswagen's latest 2.0-litre turbodiesel GTD engine gets 197bhp, which is more than ever before. The headline figure of 400Nm of torque is arguably even more important though, coming in from just 1,750rpm. It's this that you can feel pushing you back into the seat under acceleration, and what makes the GTD feel so punchy when driving out of corners or overtaking slower traffic. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Even its 0-62mph sprint time of 7.1 seconds is pretty quick for a front-wheel drive diesel, helped by the standard seven-speed DSG automatic rifling through gears at an impressive rate. It's half-a-second faster to 62mph than the Focus ST diesel but its power band is much narrower than the GTI's petrol engine, so there's little point revving it beyond 3,500rpm.

Along a B road, the GTD is good fun, with excellent body control and impressive traction thanks to Volkswagen's XDS electronic differential lock, which is designed to stop the car from spinning either of its front wheels. We recommend spending the extra £800 for Dynamic Chassis Control because this adds sophisticated adjustable suspension that can improve handling without ruining the Golf's ride quality. Its Individual mode is excellent, allowing the feel of the engine and gearbox, steering and suspension to be set up separately. This is better than Sport mode, where the already somewhat numb steering takes on too much weight and an artificial engine sound is pumped through the speakers. While the Focus ST's steering is more feelsome, the whole car also has a firmer edge than the Golf, which won't suit everyone.

Interior & comfort

Upgrades help lift the interior and give it some character

The Golf GTD is based on the R-Line model but with quite a few extras to make it feel more special. Volkswagen certainly isn't breaking the mould here, with upgrades like sports seats trimmed in 'Jacara Grey' tartan cloth all an evolution of what's become a GTD tradition. There are black and chrome interior trim inserts and a sports steering wheel, which is also heated and fitted with the latest capacitive touch-sensitive controls and GTD logo. A set of 18-inch 'Bakersfield' alloy wheels are fitted at each corner and there's a GTD body styling kit with twin exhausts on the passenger side.

We've already discussed the Mk8 Golf's interior at length and here it comes with the range-topping Discover Navigation system and two 10-inch touchscreen displays; one behind the steering wheel and another perched above the dashboard. Buyers get a different instrument display for the GTD, with a more exciting look than the standard Golf, and it's possible to use Android Auto or wireless Apple CarPlay, which is handy because the onboard infotainment software isn't always the most intuitive. It's also disappointing that a car costing more than £30,000 requires you to spend more if you want heated seats, a rear-view camera or head-up display.

Practicality & boot space

Decent interior space and sizeable boot

No matter what model you bought, the Golf has always been a practical car, making it incredibly easy to live with. That's even more the case now the three-door version has been phased out, so there's no more asking passengers to clamber into the back seats. It's easy to get in or fit a child seat, making the GTD ideal for family life.

The sports seats make it slightly more difficult to get in the front, but once you’re in they offer great support. The driving position is highly adjustable too, so it should be possible for almost any driver to get comfortable behind the wheel.

Measuring 381 litres, there's no penalty in boot size for picking the GTD versus any other Golf, so there's plenty of space for shopping or even road trips. It's almost evenly matched with the Focus ST, beating the fast Ford by just six litres. The rear seats can also be flipped forwards to create extra cargo room but they don't lie completely flat.

Reliability & safety

Safety should be first rate, while the Golf has a reputation for solid build quality

We'll have to wait for the Mk8 Golf to appear in our next Driver Power owner satisfaction survey but the previous model came a respectable 50th out of the top 75 models in 2020. This is good to know, as a large proportion of the Mk8's underpinnings are an evolution of the previous model's hardware. If there are more problems with the new model, they're likely to be attributed to the more prolific use of electronics in its digital interior.

Safety shouldn't be of any concern, as the Volkswagen Golf has already scored a five-star result from Euro NCAP. It features a longer list of safety equipment than ever, including LED Matrix headlights, lane assist that can detect the edge of the road, blind spot warnings and Emergency Assist, which can bring the car to a safe stop if sensors detect that the driver is incapacitated.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX: the electric hot hatch era takes off
Volkswagen ID3 GTX front quarter
News
13 Mar 2024

New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX: the electric hot hatch era takes off

2024 Audi A3 gets more kit and sportier looks with new facelift
2024 Audi A3 front quarter
News
11 Mar 2024

2024 Audi A3 gets more kit and sportier looks with new facelift

New Dacia C-Neo hatchback to expand brand’s range of family cars
Dacia C-Neo render front quarter
News
5 Mar 2024

New Dacia C-Neo hatchback to expand brand’s range of family cars

Hot car deal: striking-looking Peugeot 308 hatchback for £186 a month
2022 Peugeot 308 driving
Deals
20 Feb 2024

Hot car deal: striking-looking Peugeot 308 hatchback for £186 a month

Have You Considered

Honda Civic Type R review - the ultimate hot hatch?
2023 Honda Civic Type R - front
In-depth reviews
7 Dec 2023

Honda Civic Type R review - the ultimate hot hatch?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensational performance, but it'll cost you
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2023

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensational performance, but it'll cost you

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

More on Golf GTD hatchback

New Volkswagen Golf GTD Mk8 vs Ford Focus ST diesel: rivals comparison
Volkswagen Golf GTD vs Ford Focus ST header image
News
30 Apr 2021

New Volkswagen Golf GTD Mk8 vs Ford Focus ST diesel: rivals comparison

How does the new VW Golf GTD compare to Ford’s diesel-powered ST?
New 197bhp Volkswagen Golf GTD now on sale
2020 Volkswagen Golf GTD - front 3/4 view
News
21 Oct 2020

New 197bhp Volkswagen Golf GTD now on sale

The eighth-generation 2020 VW Golf GTD features the most powerful diesel engine in the model’s history
Volkswagen Golf GTD hatchback (2013-2019)
In-depth reviews
30 Jan 2018

Volkswagen Golf GTD hatchback (2013-2019)

“The Volkswagen Golf GTD has proved more popular than the GTI thanks to its pace, practicality and low running costs”
Skip advert
Advertisement
Today's news from the Geneva Motor Show
News
4 Mar 2015

Today's news from the Geneva Motor Show

Live updates around the clock
Sporty VW Golf R-Line revealed
News
2 Feb 2015

Sporty VW Golf R-Line revealed

Volkswagen Golf R-Line blends sporty looks with affordable running costs
First ever Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate revealed
News
29 Jan 2015

First ever Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate revealed

Volkswagen will unveil the new GTD Estate at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with first deliveries of the car in June
Volkswagen Golf GTE hybrid to cost £28k
News
14 Jan 2015

Volkswagen Golf GTE hybrid to cost £28k

The VW Golf GTE plug-in hybrid is available to order from today, costing £28,000

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024