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Cape Town - Hot off the heels of the new GTI, Volkswagen will expand its Golf '7.5' range with the addition of the new GTD and R version.
The automaker has released prices for its new hot hatches; The GTD is priced at R506 700 while the hottest R yet is R647 300.
The GTI of diesel-powered Golfs
The GTD is set to be launched later in July 2017. It's powered by a 2.0-litre TDI, capable of 130kW/380Nm, mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
The GTD borrows many elements from it's petrol-powered GTI sibling; it rides on 18" Sevilla alloysand its styling kit and LEDs are borrowed from the GTI.
Interestingly, the GTD costs nearly R40 000 less than the GTI (R545 800).
Features: New Golf GTD
• Start-Stop with Brake Energy Recuperation
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Transverse differential lock (XDS)
• Front, side and curtain airbags with knee airbag for driver
• Multi-collision brake system
• Fatigue detection "Rest Assist"
• Sports suspension
• Composition Media: 8" Touch Screen,Radio,CD,SD,USB,Bluetooth,8 Speakers, App-Connect and Voice Control
• Cruise Control
• Climatronic air-conditioner
• Interior ambient lighting - light strips in white
• Leather Sports seats with front seat heating
• 18" Sevilla alloy wheels
• Dark red LED tail lights with dynamic turn signal
• LED headlamps for low and high beam with LED daytime running lights with High beam control "Light Assist"
• Sport styled front bumper with C-signature air-curtains with GTD-styled twin pipe exhaust system
Earlier in February 2017, Wheels24's Janine Van der Post drove the GTD at the international launch in Majorca, Spain.
GTD or GTI?
Van der Post says: "Although the refreshed Golf Mk7.5 looks great with its subtle new styling and traits, the GTI, albeit 7kW more powerful at 169kW than the current version (162kW), still feels the same when driving. It's not to say the GTI is a disappointment, it never will be as long as there are fanboys and girls.
"I say this though only because the new 2.0-litre GTD is a great package. In other words, a diesel version of the GTI, but with more torque. It's the derivative of choice if you're planning on buying a new Golf when it arrives here, well at least it would be for me.
"Its 2.0-litre engine delivers 135kW with 380Nm compared to 350Nm in the GTI. It hardly sounds like a diesel car at all, and instead of that chugging gurgle, it has a vivacious growl that's addictive, and with that extra torque, it makes up for the missing power difference from the GTI. Overtaking is easy, the GTD is always willing and ready for spirited driving from its seamless new 7-speed DSG box. The new box apparently reduces fuel consumption by 0.3 litres/100km says VW.
I"ts thrilling at valiant driving, sits in tight bends and holds it own when really putting it through its paces. It's a car to make you fall in love with a Golf - if you never have before."
New Golf R
The hottest Golf yet, the new R variant, is powered by a 2-litre TSI, capable of 213kW/380Nm, mated to a 7-speed DSG.
The R has unique styling and sports suspension to differentiate it from the GTD and GTI. It uses 19" Sebring alloys.
At R647 300, it's nearly R100 000 more than the aforementioned GTI.
Features: New Golf R
• Start-Stop with Brake Energy Recuperation
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Transverse differential lock (XDS)
• Front, side and curtain airbags with knee airbag for driver
• 4Motion Permanent four-wheel-drive system
• Active info display (digital instrument cluster with 12" TFT display)
• R Sports suspension
• Composition Media: 8" Touch Screen,Radio,CD,SD,USB,Bluetooth,8 Speakers, App-Connect and Voice Control
• Cruise Control
• Climatronic air-conditioner
• Interior ambient lighting - light strips in blue
• Leather Sports seats with front seat heating
• 19" Spielberg alloy wheels
• Dark red LED tail lights with dynamic turn signal
• LED headlamps for low and high beam with LED daytime running lights with High beam control "Light Assist"
• Motorsport styled front bumper with C-signature air-curtains with R-styled four pipe exhaust system
• Panoramic tilt/slide sunroof
