Volkswagen introduces load carrying Golf GTD

Volkswagen seem determined to get as much of their investment on the MQB platform back as possible. The Golf is already available in no less than 15 variants at last count, and that’s just in Australia. There are many more in Europe that don’t make it here.

Now, the German marque has announced another new member to the burgeoning Golf family – the Golf GTD Variant (or Wagon to you and me). Like the Golf GTD hatch, the GTD Variant is powered by Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI engine that delivers 135kW (181hp) and 380Nm of torque between 1,750-3,250rpm.

Due to the extra weight, the GTD Variant is slightly slower and thirstier than the hatch. 0-100km/h is achieved in a claimed 7.9 seconds, 0.4 seconds behind the Golf GTD hatch, while combined fuel consumption is 4.4L/100km, 0.2L/100km more than the hatch.

Aesthetically, the Variant shares similar styling with its hatch sibling. That means sportier front bumpers, honeycomb grille, smoked taillights and sill extensions. European models also include bi-xenon headlights as standard. The car sits 15mm lower thanks to its sports suspension and rolls on 17-inch “Curitiba” alloy wheels (car shown with optional 18-inch “Nogaro” wheels).

Inside, the familiar cabin are exactly the same as the hatch with the sports seats wrapped in the GTD’s “Clark” cloth upholstery, while the driver is greeted by a flat-bottom sports steering wheel and golf ball shape gear knob.

The Golf GTD Variant will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. It is priced from €31,975 in Germany.

As for the availability of the model in Australia; it is highly unlikely the GTD Variant will make it here given Volkswagen Australia has dropped the GTD hatch from their Mk7 lineup.