This took time to appreciate how the GTI fared with the ‘going fast’ stuff. But the GTD ? That is a car that reveals the fun side a lot faster. As soon as you put your feet down, in fact. The 2. 0-litre TDI engine gets uplifts of 16bhp and 15lb ft, giving new counts of 197bhp and 295lb ft and making for the nicely punchy engine. The particular fake noise in Powerful mode is a little excessive, yet that’s a small complaint.

The torque distinction between the GTD and the GTI isn’t as big as you’d believe, though, with the latter today making 272lb ft (which actually comes in an early bit earlier than the GTD’s torque output). But the little advantage in twist combined with diesel’s much lower peak strength point makes it feel easily quick. Wringing the GTI’s neck is all well plus good, but the EA888 gas engine isn’t exactly the majority of spectacular unit to revolution out.

There aren’t many mechanised differences in the GTI plus GTD chassis. The components are usually largely the same as far as you may know (we’re awaiting confirmation from your factory), and both vehicles get the same 15mm suspension system drop and optional adaptive dampers. Those are installed here, and although it is a few months since we attempted a GTI, we think the GTD is a little bit softer in all modes.

It’s still a lot stiff in its Dynamic setting, without crashing around uncomfortably on rubbish surfaces. The particular GTD surprisingly fun still left in Comfort, tracking the road surface area better with some welcome however not excessive body move. A bit of lean is no poor thing at all, despite producers trying their best to completely irradicate it. Having a heavy diesel powered engine doesn’t seem to possess stopped the front end through being plenty willing to alter direction meanwhile, but since the most recent EA888 in the GTI nevertheless uses a cast-iron block, the difference should be negligible.

Exactly where these cars do curve dynamically, however , is the ‘VAQ’ electronically-controlled locking differential, which could shove up to 100 percent of torque to either front side wheel. In the UK the GTI has one as regular, but the GTD isn’t therefore lucky.

Rather, it relies on an ‘XDS’ brake-based torque vectoring in order to mimic the effects of an LSD, and you know what? It works actually damn well. So properly, that I felt the need to examine the spec sheet when I returned after my first generate to see if VW acquired decided to chuck in the VAQ system this time, which they haven’t. The XDS thing is definitely ideally suited to these kinds of power/torque levels, with an abundant flow of traction in the dry and also a decent amount in moist conditions no matter how greedy the particular throttle applications.

The steering does not seem to be bothered about interacting anything from the road surface area, but it’s fast plus predictable, at least. Attached to the rear of the wheel are those terribly apologetical little plastic tab VW uses as change paddles across multiple versions, controlling a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that is serviceable sufficient, if lacking outright immediacy. There’s no manual choice – sorry.

Whether it’s the punchier derv delivery or the decrease expectations attached to the GTD badge I’m not sure, yet overall, it’s the car I actually came away with sensation more satisfied after a nation road blast. And on the way in which home again, there are the particular glorious fuel economy advantages to bask in. On the run, it’ll do over 60mpg with little effort. Using a twin-dosing of ad glowing blue (that’s the pig early stuff), it’s also the particular cleanest TDI ever, VOLKS WAGEN says.

So it is arguably a little more fun, it is more economical, and finally, it’s less expensive than the GTI, coming in regarding £2k cheaper than a single fitted with the DSG ‘box. Unless you have a particular aversion to diesel, the GTD is the one to have.

The GTI’s greatest problem isn’t necessarily the particular GTD though, it’s the particular GTI Clubsport . It’s not the largest jump between the two, and return for a little more cost, you get a better chassis, much more power and angrier appears. We’ll know for sure as soon as we’ve driven one in some weeks, but if you’re heading GTI, it’s looking like an instance of go CS or even go home. Or more accurately, move GTD.