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

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3
Polestar 3
In-depth reviews

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3

Polestar’s stylish electric SUV has big competition now from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so an update was in order
18 Sep 2026
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC offers V6 power for less than a new 1.5
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC
News

Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC offers V6 power for less than a new 1.5

Rocketeer’s turned its genius to the maligned NC MX-5 and created what’s sure to be a sweetheart of a V6 sports car
17 Sep 2026
Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026