The Golf GTD is back in the UK. VW hasn’t shipped a Golf that mates diesel power with GTI attitude here since the mk4, but oil burners were much slower, noisier and less popular then. For all but the most determined diesel lovers, the idea must have sounded like the perfect oxymoron.

Not so now. The new mk6 GTD gets the pokiest version of VW’s ubiquitous 2-litre common-rail turbodiesel unit with 168bhp, 258lb ft of torque and a respectable set of claimed performance stats, including 0-62mph in 8.1sec and a 138mph top speed (2mph less when equipped with the optional six-speed twin-clutch DSG transmission, which costs an extra £1305). The 207bhp petrol-engined GTI is naturally a good deal quicker against the clock (0-62mph in 6.9sec and 149mph) but then, with a combined 53.3mpg (50.4 for the DSG) the GTD can go well over 600 miles on a tankful and would undoubtedly hold the advantage on a long haul.

And although it doesn’t have the GTI’s new XDS electronic limited-slip differential, it doesn’t seem to miss it. Even with its higher torque output the GTD deploys its outputs cleanly and, despite the heavier engine, feels agile and keen with crisp turn-in, little understeer and impressive levels of grip. Another thing it shares with the GTI is a fine ride, even running on the optional 225/40 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx-shod 18in ‘Vancouver’ alloys of our test car (17-inchers are standard). The also-optional Adaptive Chassis Control adaptive damping (£705) seems to play a key role here, allowing the suspension to remain supple over bumpy tarmac while retaining exemplary body control.

The GTD’s carefully balanced fusion of sporty and sensible is perfectly reflected by the aesthetic treatment, which comprises all of the GTI’s body addenda (bumpers, sills, tailgate spoiler, twin tailpipes) bar the red stripes on the grille, plus a a 15mm drop in ride height over the standard Golf. Inside, the GTI overtones are again sympathetically applied with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and torso-hugging seats. And, as with other mk6 Golfs, the feeling of quality and solidity is hugely impressive.

In short, if you’ve been hankering after a diesel-powered Golf GTI, you’ll find plenty to like here.