VW Golf GTD Review: a smarter buy than a GTI?

Welcome to Part 4 in our Golf-themed series... A Game of Golfs.

Previous videos:


Drag Race: VW Golf GTI vs Golf GTD

Drag Race: New VW Golf R vs Golf GTI

This video begins with the following premise: The Volkswagen Golf GTI is regarded as the King of the compact hot hatchbacks… and it is one of South Africa's most desirable vehicles…

Having said that, it has become pricey, so much so that it’s out of reach of many consumers. What if there was something cheaper that could offer a comparable ownership experience and most of the performance, but importantly, consume less fuel?

The Golf GTD is similarly styled to its GTI sibling, but it’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 350 N.m of torque is mated with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Volkswagen claims a brisk 0-100 kph time of 7.4 sec and a claimed fuel consumption of only 5.0 L/100 km. It sounds like the best of both worlds, but is it?

We take to the track with the GTD to see if it has enough GT to make up for the “D” (if you, like most enthusiasts, would prefer to have the “I”). Is this the thinking man’s GTI, or a piecemeal car?

0:00 Intro
1:18 Ride Quality
1:30 Golf GTD torque vs Golf GTI torque
2:32 What’s missing in the Golf GTD
3:34 Why you should buy the Golf GTD
4:41 Which one is better?
4:50 Fuel Consumption
6:13 Closing

[dannyeldergolf]

You're missing the point in my opinion, this car isn't designed to be a gti. It's a sporty car that has pretty much everything the gti has it without the running costs. The gtd is one of the best all rounders you can buy

[philandevu]

For me personally it makes some sense. Most GTI drivers buy it for the looks rather than its performance capabilities. So getting a GTI look-alike at a fraction of the price while saving at the pumps is a BONUS!!! Makes sense to me...

[james]

Had my GTD 4 months. you've hit the nail on the head!...a wicked eco daily driver. I avg 47-51mpg. look good, and such a comfortable fun drive.

[dirtydoc]

I bought this GTD because I travel about 600km every week, and i’m so happy with it. I love it👌🏻

[sdc]

I bought the GTD in white with all the specs added. I love this car. Getting 5.8 l/100km with very spirited driving.

[mikepinder]

Had my manual gtd for 6 month, 16 plate with 70000, got it stage 1 remapped 2 months ago. It is the best all round car I have ever owned. Maybe not the quickest. But build quality, performance and it's a joy to drive. 100 percent recommend this car to anyone

[kevintavares]

gtd will always be an a solid option for those who want less trips to the pump, and without going hybrid or electric altogether for those reasons.

[TheRedKobra]

Bought one of these yesterday, loving it! Didn't want a GTI, I wanted a GTD so I guess I go against the reviewer here.

[sekantsimabandla]

hahahaha i can't believe he said phaaaa!

[philipsnyman]

This would be my choice of hatch for sure..

[kimirferrari]

Best golf I have owned good performance plus great fuel economy in the UK where we get ripped off on fuel prices. VW build quality is far superior to other cars in this sector.

[seanek]

The GTD is a fleet car! In the UK the GTD is the best selling single trim level of the Golf by far! Its designed to appeal to the company car driver. It was never really made to appeal to the general public. You have to imagine a scenario were you get presented with a picture of a white BMW 3 series and a Golf GTD and one!"

[MY-mpbq]

I bought the gtd 2016. With sport and sound. Coming from a bmw f30 this car is amazing. Everything is quality. It just looks slightly better than the gti as well. My total consumption for about 3000km is 6.1l/100km. Its the perfect car it has everythinf

[dhaneshramdial]

I drive a Gtd and now that the motor has reached 45, 000 km and is well run In and with BP diesel .
The car really runs much better and I rarely hav to use S mode .

[mark-rc]

I kinda like the gtd but I’m concerned about owning a diesel car in London .

[paddykthedj]

in uk and ireland gtd is more popular than gti.. fuel consumption being main reason

[ishiebooi]

I enjoy the fuel efficiency of diesel engines and with practicality of golf, may consider this. But price and what I can get for similar money also needs to be considered

[samuk]

The reason VW make the GTD is down to the market. In the UK the GTD massively out sells the GTI. You would struggle to see a GTI on British roads, but GTD’s are plentiful. I’ve had one for the last 3 years, but as diesel cars are starting to get a bit of bad press in the UK, I skipped the GTI and went to a 310 BHP R 🚙😈😉

[keenan]

With fuel price increases going through the roof the Golf GTD is starting to make sense. Yes it doesn't have the performance of the GTI but as everyday car it would be my choice.

[jakelamotta]

I hate diesel but theres always been a special place in my heart for VW diesel cars. There one of a kind!!