VW->ke94 is further expanding the seventh generation Golf lineup with the addition of the new GTD version. Set to be unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the new Golf GTD will be put on sale immediately after with a starting price of €29,350 (about $38,700 at the current exchange rates).

The new-generation GTD continues a tradition started way back in 1982 when Volkswagen revolutionized the market with the unveiling of its first turbo-diesel Golf. The seventh-generation Golf GTD is the most powerful diesel Golf ever launched and it delivers an impressive fuel economy of just 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers (or about 56 U.S. mpg).

When compared to a standard Golf, the new GTD version received smoked LED rear lights and a larger roof spoiler. The interior has also received numerous GTD elements, like sports seats and steering wheels, a black roofliner and a GTD instrument cluster.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Volkswagen Golf GTD.

2013 Volkswagen Golf GTD

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTD
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 184 @ 3500
  • Torque: 280 @ 1750
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Golf GTD version will receive design elements we usually see on other GTD models. These elements will include: smoked LED rear lights with LED license plate illumination and for the rear a large roof spoiler and chrome dual tailpipes. The model will be offered with standard 17 inches GTD wheels combined with 225/45 tires.

Customers can choose between three standard colors: "Tornado Red,” "Black" and "Pure White."

Dimensions

Length

4255 millimeters (167.51 inches)

Wheelbase

2637 millimeters (103.81 inches)

Height

1452 millimeters (57.16 inches)

Width

2027 millimeters (79.80 inches)

Weight

1,377 kg (3035 lbs)


Interior

The interior will also be upgraded with lots of GTD elements, like sports seats in tartan pattern ("Clark"), a black headliner, sport steering wheel, and stainless steel pedals and foot support. Customers will also get a standard GTD gear shift grip, GTD trim strips and a GTD instrument cluster.

Standard Features:

-Progressive steering

-White ambience lighting

-Automatic "Climatronic" climate control

-ParkPilot front and rear

-Winter pack

-"Composition Touch" radio system

Drivetrain

The new Golf GTD is powered by a new, 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter transversely-mounted common-rail engine that delivers an impressive 184 horsepower and makes the new GTD the most powerful diesel Golf ever launched.

The engine will be mated to a standard six-speed manual, while a 6-speed DSG is being offered as an option and delivers an impressive fuel economy of 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers - or 56 U.S. mpg.

Engine

Four-cylinder TDI (charged direct-injection diesel); Front transverse engine

Displacement

1,968 cc

Bore/stroke

81.0/95.5 mm

Compression ratio

15.8:1

Power

135 kW / 184 HP at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm

Torque

380 Nm (280 lbs-ft) at 1,750 to 3,250 rpm

Gearbox

Manual 6-speed gearbox; automatic 6-speed DSG

Drive type

front-wheel drive

Fuel consumption / CO2 emissions (manual)

4.2 l/100 km; 109 g/km CO2

0-100 km/h (62 mph)

7.5 seconds

Top speed

230 km/h (142 mph)


Prices

On the German market the new Golf GTD is priced at €29,350 (about $38,700 at the current exchange rates). Volkswagen will start taking order on March 5th, 2013.

Competitors

There are lots of diesel hatchbacks out there, so when choosing one is just a matter of preferences.

Audi A3 Diesel

Audi is offering two diesel alternatives for its A3 Sportback, with the most powerful version being the 2.0-liter version. It delivers a total of 184 horsepower and goes up to a top speed of 144 mph. In fact, this is exactly the same engine used in the new GTD version, so it is pretty difficult to say which of the two models is better.

BMW 1-Series Diesel

BMW also offers three different diesel alternatives for its 1-Series lineup. The most powerful version is the 120d - a model also powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines with an output of 184 horsepower. The 120d delivers pretty much the same performance level as the GTD: it goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds and can hit a top speed of 142 mph.

Conclusion

The new Golf GTD is the most powerful diesel Golf ever launched, but the market offers lots of diesel models delivering the same amount of power. Still, the GTD has always been a pretty successful model and we are pretty sure the same will also happen with the new generation.