2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD

For those craving the performance and handling of VW's legendary GTI, but wanting something a bit more sensible, VW might have just the car for you.  As long as you don't have a problem with pumping from the smelly pump, that is.

It's called the Golf GTD, and it's just what you'd imagine - a GTI with a diesel engine.  Thankfully, it's a rather good diesel - VW's high-output 2.0L TDI, now with commonrail direct injection and a 16-valve head.  It compresses dead dinosaurs at an extremely high ratio to create 170bhp@4200rpm, and a  healthy peak torque of 258lb-ft (350nM) between 1,750 and 2,500rpm.

This means that although the GTD is down about 40 horsepower on the GTI, it's got nearly 60 lb-ft more torque.  VW states the GTD can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a scant 8.1 seconds, which is impressive for a family hatchback that only requires 5.3L of fuel per 100km.  This is a really tempting combination of fuel mileage and performance, and at 139g/km, running costs would be suitably low as well.

It still gets all the GTI goodies, which is what's so awesome about the GTD.  Check out those Interlagos plaid bucket thrones, as well as the GTI's nifty three-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel.

The Golf GTD can be ordered with either a six-speed manual transmission or VW's fancy-pants DSG 6-speed gearbox.  The DSG gearbox has a small mileage and emissions penalty, but with the diesel, it's worth it.  I wonder if these puppies come with launch control?

I really think this car could sell in the states.  VW's diesels are just as refined (and almost as powerful) as their turbo gas engines these days, and all that torque would be a joy to have underfoot in a lot of situations Americans would use it - merging onto the highway, spanking a Honda, etc.  We just need VW to import the thing!  Considering they're sending over the Audi A3 with a TDI by the end of the year, though, this car might be considered too direct a competitor to the Audi.  I suppose avoiding the foot-shooting would be good, but I'm not one to complain about having too many options.

Now what Subaru needs to do is make an equivalent diesel STi model.  Maybe they'll call it the STD?