Is the 2018 VW Golf GTD Estate the perfect all-rounder?

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In this video I finally test a Golf GTD Estate, a model that has intrigued me since its launch in 2015. Could this be the perfect car for me with performance, practicality and economy as well as being low on Co2 emissions and Euro 6 emission standards compliant so able to enter clean air zones without penalty.

Watch this video and find out, it might even be the perfect car for you!

Please note we are trying out new camera angles in this video which worked OK apart from excessive shake for a few secs which we will rectify for the next video. We've also spent £200 on a new GoPro to deal with audio issues which have plagued our videos for quite a while & this appears to have been a success.

We are also trying to streamline the editing process to get more vids up with less time taken as there is a lot more great stuff on the horizon!

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[gardupgti]

We drive a 2014 Mk7 GTD in France. Recent change in circumstance means driving predominantly A roads and auto-routes 150km each way. Genuine and long term 4.1l/100km or 70+mpg. Very refined and relaxing, space for stuff (fence posts, visitors and luggage etc.), auto cruise etc etc. and it does make you smile when pushed over mountains or whatever. Not an estate, so not immediately relevant to these threads, but is happy experience after 5 years ownership.

Being poor, the other car is an UP GTI, which is much more fun than would seem sensible, best on the different and narrower local roads. Still, that will happily do a 300km round trip to the airport on the smooth autoroute at nearly 70mg and leave you relaxed and smiling.

But everyday, we take the GTD for the distance stuff and the UP for the local mountain twisties. Each excel in these roles.


Andrew - please find a way to keep these videos going! They are entertaining, informative, and I find myself looking forward to the next installment. Already subscribed - what else can I do?

As so many have said - great stuff - thanks!

[kennethross]

I have a metallic black 7.5 GTD DSG. All the performance you can use on UK roads and averages 56mpg. Wouldn’t have anything else.

[terrylee]

Really enjoy your blogs I’ve got a golf GTD a mark 7.5 absolutely adore it cheap tax cheap to run and I think it runs really well could Drive it all day long I’ve had all all VW golf’s From Mark one up to the mark six not the mark five didn’t like it not a lot of difference went onto the Audi A3 is now I’m back with a VW golf GTD as I said smashing car keep up the good work PS you should get yourself one

[tredfxman]

How big is the price differance between the Golf GTD ESTATE & a Passat with similar engine? Coz if i had a family, idont see any reason why i wodent choose a Roomier Passat, if it werent for too steep price. Ithink the Golf Plus have a market, since its for Taller People. But a Golf Estate? Is it really needed? Anyone know the price Diffrence? 🙄

[kwingy]

Nice review, I have a 17 plate GTD estate and I can't fault it. Don't get me wrong I got 2 kids and the back is deffo a bit small but the luggage storage more then makes up for it. The extra diesel power also has no problem with a heavy load and overtaking as well is easy on the motorway. I agree tho that the car is not that engaging to drive but what it does, it does well and averaging 50mpg when flooring it never gets old!!

[darrencottrell]

That is one attractive estate car, really admired the flecks in the silver paintwork as they popped in the sun. Practical, economical, solid build and sporting prowess (to a degree) - a winning formula, or at least, it should be.

[johncroxon]

I’ve got one in issac blue and it’s amazing to drive just flawed with poor quality parts, currently sitting in VW dealership awaiting new sunroof frame failed and leaked and drivers seat collapsed for a second time in 15mths. I’d still have another one though it’s an epic family tourer.

[williamgson]

I seriously don't understand why VW doesn't sell these here in Sweden. The Golf is the best selling car already, a GTD estate would make them sell even better because it seems like we can't get enough of diesel estates here. The Octavia vRS tdi is already everywhere. I would buy one.

[jakehammond]

The golf estate is ideal. The Passat estate all though bigger I don’t think it’s boots size advantage is good enough considering the extra length which makes manoeuvreing more difficult

[m.allmark]

Looked at one of these to replace my mk5 gti golf but I've been warned the drive just won't be the same. I do around 8k miles a year with shorter trips during the week (10-15 mile round trips) then longer 2 hour drives at the weekend (for fun/days out)

[podkriznikaljaz]

11:26 That's hilarious.
Really want to buy one of these!

[simonthompson]

Loved my my 7 GTD - frustrating unresolved coolant issues forced sale. Estate could tempt a return in preference to the ubiquitous SUV for a however never lacked enough room in hatch so GTI is still on radar.

[manjbains]

Great video again mate. It's a perfect car if you loads of miles a year. There is few on the road too, as see so many everyday. To me they look superb too!!! The only other problem is they are getting stolen a lot too so would upgrade the security system. Too many jealous scumbags out there!!!

[sparkford]

Andrew, a very well priced family estate and workhorse. Really nice looking and spec'd.

[malcolmscott]

Looking suave Andrew - great car and excellent review - diesel and R estate are my favourite Golfs :)

[donrichter]

Seems like a lovely practical driver’s car. 👍🏻Sadly after dieselgate, no more VAG diesels to the USA.

[alainuyttenhove]

I have one and he can be fast to, with some software changes I do a 0-100km/u in 6.5sec. The software of the dsg is also changed, some numbers: 248hp 503nm

[mickyp]

Remap and this becomes a different animal. 220+hp and mountains of torque

[tractorboy]

A good thorough video as usual, thanks. No doubt a great car to live with day-to-day, but the “dark side” is not for me.

[sonofrobert]

Awesome car there!
I drive a '15 tsi se Sportwagon 6sp auto. Love it and have gotten 39mpg, 170hp/200 torque.
No breakdowns and at 57k miles.