What's the news?

A diesel Golf has been revealed, though not an ordinary one, Volkswagen creating a hot range-topping model by popping an 184hp, 2.0-litre TDI engine under the bonnet and a GTD badge in the grille and boot lid. Obviously there's a bit more to it than that, but the end product is a GTI-aping diesel that'll sip just 67mpg on the official combined cycle and not burn you on company car tax thanks to CO₂ emissions of 109g/km. It'll get you to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and can double our national speed limit if you've got the space (and it's legal).

Exterior

A Golf, only sharper looking, the GTD gains GTI-alike styling but without the red pinstripes of its famous petrol relation. Still, smoked LED rear lights, LED daytime running lights, unique bumpers (the back one having chrome dual tailpipes sticking out of it), a roof spoiler, side skirts and 17-inch alloy wheels result in a sportier, more assertively styled Golf, in either three- or five-door guises. Three standard colours are offered: Tornado Red, Black or Pure White.

Interior

Two words - Tartan seats. We're happy. The famous check pattern covers the sports seats up front and the rear bench, while black headlining, a sports steering wheel and stainless steel pedals add to the sporting feel. GTD badging is liberally scattered around the cabin too, while the instruments are unique to the GTD model. Equipment levels are high as well, the GTD coming with climate control, Park Pilot front and rear sensors and plenty more besides.

Mechanicals

That 67mpg figure refers to the six-speed manual three-door model, the GTD additionally offered with a six-speed DSG automatic and in five-door guise. CO₂ rises to 119g/km in the three-door DSG equipped car and 122g/km in the five-door DSG model. The 2.0-litre GTD turbodiesel produces 184hp at 3,500- to 4,000rpm and peak torque of 380Nm developed from 1,750- to 3,250rpm. Chassis changes include sports suspension, revised dampers and anti-roll bars.

Anything else?

Expect the UK dealer network to be taking deposits now, with deliveries likely early to mid-summer. Its petrol powered GTI relation is also expected very soon, it anticipated to debut at the Geneva show in less than two weeks alongside the Golf GTD.