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

The GMA S1 is today’s McLaren F1 – sorry, T.50 owners
GMA S1
News

The GMA S1 is today’s McLaren F1 – sorry, T.50 owners

Gordon Murray Automotive has revived the McLaren F1 with the road-biased GMA S1, a 12,100rpm V12 special based upon the ultra-exclusive S1 LM
14 Aug 2026
McLaren McL 6GT is a new manual supercar and a complete reset
McLaren McL 6GT
News

McLaren McL 6GT is a new manual supercar and a complete reset

Unbelievably, the design of this new McLaren is more surprising than the reintroduction of a manual transmission…
14 Aug 2026
My Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce proved you needn't spend £100k for a fun saloon
evo Fast Fleet Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
Long term tests

My Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce proved you needn't spend £100k for a fun saloon

How desirable can a four-cylinder Giulia really be? ‘Very’ is our long-term verdict
13 Aug 2026