Volkswagen now has three fast Golfs in its line-up: the iconic Golf GTI, the racy Golf R and the new GTD.
SunWheels tested these hot Golfs and sitting at top of the range is the R version, while the GTD is basically the GTI with a turbodiesel engine, and it is the most affordable of the three.
Golf GTD
The GTD is a unique offering because there aren’t any other hot turbodiesel hatches around.
The 2,0-litre turbocharged diesel engine is fitted with a slick, front-wheel drive-pushing seven-speed DSG gearbox. What’s especially impressive is the GTD’s fuel economy: just 5,3 litres every 100km. There aren’t many differences between the GTD and GTI except that the price is about R40 000 lower.
Price: R506 900
Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 130kW @ 3 600 to 4 000r/min
Torque: 350Nm @ 1 500 to 3 500r/min
Fuel consumption: 5,3 litres/100km
Zero to 100km/h: 7,4 seconds
Top speed: 230km/h
Golf GTI
Of all three Golfs, we still like the GTI the most.
It is a showcase of perfection but one can’t really justify the Golf R’s heavy price tag. The GTI’s iconic status is well-deserved and it is certainly desirable!
Though there aren’t many styling differences when compared to the GTD version – the alloy wheels are different and there are bright red trim that’s become a hallmark of the GTI. On the road, the differences are almost non-existent as both cars have plenty of grip and power. However, the GTI is better at cornering than the GTD as it is lighter too.
Price: R545 900
Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol
Power: 169kW @ 4 700 to 6 200r/min
Torque: 350Nm @ 1 500 to 4 600r/min
Fuel consumption: 6,4 litres/100km
Zero to 100km/h: 6,4 seconds
Top speed: 248km/h
Golf R
If, for some reason, you need a faster Golf than the GTI or GTD then don’t look any further than the Golf R. It rivals premium hot hatches such as the Audi RS3 and Mercedes A45 AMG.
With all-wheel-drive as standard and a firmer ride, it feels and handles differently to the other performance Golfs. With its potent 2,0-litre turbopetrol engine, it is a performance machine of note, and though it can be quite wild, it adjusts easily to tamer driving conditions too. It looks quite different to the GTI and GTD models with its racy style.
Price: R657 100
Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol
Power: 213kW @ 5 400 to 6 500r/min
Torque: 380Nm @ 1 850 to 5 300r/min
Fuel consumption: 6,9 litres/100km
Zero to 100km/h: 4,6 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
