Geneva show: Volkswagen Golf GTD rolls out

THE faster yet more frugal new-generation Volkswagen Golf GTD was officially revealed overnight, two weeks ahead of its public world debut at the Geneva motor show.

The GTD will be among a cavalcade of new Golf variants to premiere in Geneva, alongside the new GTI, R, R cabrio, wagon and pure electric e-Golf.

Pitched as more of a sporty long distance tourer than outright hot hatch, the diesel-powered Mk7 uses Volkswagen’s new 2.0-litre engine to sprint from zero to 100km/h in a sprightly 7.5 seconds, but uses as little as 4.2 litres of fuel per 100km.

The new unit produces 135kW of power and 380Nm of torque from 1750rpm, an increase of 10kW and 30Nm over the previous GTD that continues to sell in small numbers in Australia.

The new GTD is subsequently six tenths faster to the 100km/h mark than its predecessor while being around 20 per cent more fuel efficient. Indeed, the Mk7 uses just 0.3L/100km more than a Toyota Prius hybrid.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. This latter transmission pushes fuel consumption out to 4.7 litres per 100km.

Visually, the car is differentiated by smoked LED lights, dual chrome-tipped tail-pipes, unique 17-inch wheels, special side sill trim and rear diffuser, a roof spoiler and firmer sports suspension.

Inside are tartan seats – a hot Golf trademark – with black roof-liner, sports steering wheels, steel pedals, and unique GTD gear-shifter, trim strips and instrument cluster.

Despite the new model’s impressive gains, Volkswagen Australia general manager of communications Karl Gehling told GoAuto that the car was not yet confirmed for the local market.

“We are looking at it and we’ll let you know when it gets a bit closer,” he said.

Orders for the new GTD will commence in Europe on March 5, the day it appears at the Geneva motor show.

As reported, the regular new seventh-generation Golf range will touch down in Australia at the end of April, with the new GTI (a petrol ‘twin’ to the GTD) to come towards the end of the year, and the new all-wheel-drive R to emerge in 2014.

Based on Volkswagen’s lightweight, low-cost and modular MQB architecture, the new model will be roomier, lighter and - thanks to a range of new petrol and diesel engines – both faster and more efficient.