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

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is more powerful and cheaper than BMW's M3
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
News

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is more powerful and cheaper than BMW's M3

The CLA 45 is no more expensive than the old A45 but with 671bhp, is obviously way more potent
28 Aug 2026
BMW M240i v Audi RS3 – 400bhp German stars fight it out
Audi RS3 and BMW M240
Group tests

BMW M240i v Audi RS3 – 400bhp German stars fight it out

BMW's M240i is one of the best value performance cars on the market. But is it worth the saving over an RS3?
30 Aug 2026
Car emissions consultation ends soon, with UK's tuned and modified vehicles targeted
Aventador exhausts
News

Car emissions consultation ends soon, with UK's tuned and modified vehicles targeted

Consultation ends next week on rule changes that will fine drivers who have modified emission-control devices on their cars, but what does it actually…
30 Aug 2026