Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Mk7 Golf GTD (2014-2020) review – design

Frugal and refined but at the cost of excitement

Evo rating
RRP
from £27,225
  • Fit and finish, looks great
  • Chassis doesn't allow much fun

Design

Volkswagen has been clever in dressing its Golf GTD model in much the same clothes as the petrol-powered GTI, though there are a few key differences for the seasoned enthusiast to spot. For one, the red grille and headlight stripe of the GTI models makes way for a chromed piece of trim, while at the back there's a pair of chromed tailpipes on one side, rather than the two, single pipes of the GTI.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 2017 model gets new front and rear LED lights, slightly tweaked lower bumpers and more pronounced vents around the front fog lights. The tweaks are minor and the GTD, like the rest of the Mk7.5 Golf range, remains taut and athletic. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Thought you couldn't improve on the Alpine A110? Ravage had other ideas and we've driven the result – car pictures of the week
Ravage A110 Group 4
Features

Thought you couldn't improve on the Alpine A110? Ravage had other ideas and we've driven the result – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we drive Ravage’s stunning A110 Group 4 in the French Alps – these are our favourite shots
21 Feb 2026
2026 VED car tax: what you'll be paying
2026 car tax
Advice

2026 VED car tax: what you'll be paying

The latest car tax changes explained, including new pricing for EVs and hybrids and increased prices for higher-emission vehicles
19 Feb 2026
The all-new Audi RS5 is a practical estate car with McLaren power
Audi RS5
News

The all-new Audi RS5 is a practical estate car with McLaren power

The RS4 might have met its end, but now Audi Sport has launched its replacement with the all-new V6-powered RS5
19 Feb 2026