This price is $900 less than the petrol GTI, which generally supports the offer of the more expensive GT trim. This means that the standard equipment includes LED matrix headlights "IQ light" with automatic high beam and radiator grille illumination, fog lights with LED honeycomb structure, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Also present are keyless start, three-zone climate control, front sport seats with heating, as well as electrically folding rear-view mirrors with "puddle" lights. And finally - an aluminum gear shift lever and a heated leather steering wheel.
The latest version of the Mk8 Golf features an updated design that matches the new GTI and GTE versions, with a claimed range of up to 950 km.
It is equipped with a new version of the Volkswagen EA288 Evo four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, which has been tuned to produce 197 hp, compared to 181 hp in the previous GTD. Unlike the GTI, the GTD is offered only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.1 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h.
The upgraded engine uses two selective catalytic filters with dual AdBlue injection. Volkswagen claims that the system significantly reduces NOx emissions compared to the previous model. CO2 emissions are 137 g/km, and fuel economy for WLTP is 51.4-54.3 mpg.
It uses the same suspension as the GTI, with front McPherson struts and a multi-link system at the rear. It is also equipped with the new Volkswagen Vehicle Dynamics Manager system, which controls both the electronic differential (XDS) and adaptive dampers (Dynamic Chassis Control).
The GTD sits 15 mm lower than the standard Golf and is also equipped with a front axle differential lock and a sound actuator. Like all other Mk8 Golf variants, it will be offered only in a five-door body style.
The exterior and interior design mirrors that of the GTI and GTE. All three variants have a restyled front grille, a large honeycomb air intake, a diffuser, and a roof spoiler. The GTD also received a silver light bar across the radiator grille.
The car has 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels. The diesel also received red brake calipers, like the GTI.
Control of many functions has moved to a large 10.25-inch digital instrument display (with a silver display available only for the GTD) and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. It also received a new sport steering wheel with capacitive touch controls.
