VOLKSWAGEN has released details of the forthcoming diesel-equivalent of its Golf GTI, which which went on sale recently.
The oil-burning Golf GTD is no slouch with a top speed in excess of 135mph and acceleration to 60mph in just over eight seconds yet it boasts economy of more than 50mpg and low emissions of 139g/km.
In addition to costing less to run because of its impressive economy it also means less frequent trips to the pumps with a remarkable range of 650 miles between fill-ups.
The engine is a two-litre common rail unit generating 170bhp of power. This is channelled through a six-speed manual gearbox with a sophisticated automatic DSG transmission as an option.
In true GTI tradition, the body rides lower to the ground and the suspension is tweaked for sportier handling.
In addition to this there is Volkswagen's ACC Adaptive Chassis Control system, which enables the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to achieve the required suspension, steering and accelerator responses.
The GTD features the GTI's honeycomb grille and front-end design but with the addition of chrome rather than red highlights.
The Golf's standard wheels are replaced with 17-inch black alloys and inside is a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a GTD gearshift.
The tartan finish for the upholstery is different to that of the GTI, being grey, white and black, rather than red, white and black.
Safety kit includes a five-star EuroNCAP rating, electronic stability programme and seven airbags, including for the first time a knee airbag.
The order books open from the end of April with prices from just under £22,000 and first deliveries are due in mid-June.