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

Honda Civic Type R v Alpine A290: best of electric battles combustion-powered king
Honda Civic Type R v Alpine A290
Group tests

Honda Civic Type R v Alpine A290: best of electric battles combustion-powered king

The Alpine A290 is one of the most engaging electric hot hatches on sale, but can it ever match the Honda Civic Type R?
24 May 2026
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 review - the 340bhp V6 sports car you never knew you needed
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 corner rear
Reviews

Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 review - the 340bhp V6 sports car you never knew you needed

By putting a 340bhp Jaguar V6 in Mazda's MX-5 specialist Rocketeer has created one of 2026's unexpected driving hits.
22 May 2026
Ferrari Luce unveiled as bold 1035bhp four-door with the world’s most unusual wipers
Ferrari Luce official
News

Ferrari Luce unveiled as bold 1035bhp four-door with the world’s most unusual wipers

Ferrari has revealed its first all-electric car: the Luce. We’ve been to Rome to witness its reveal and take in its polarising design 
25 May 2026