Golf GTD

[cktsi]

That's ok... the fact is it is lowered suspension & probably firmer damping - so it's still sports tuned. The differences in height may be due to the different weights of the diesel engine vs TFSI

[Corey_R]

@cktsi - I realise the MK5 GT had several things which made it similar to the GTI, but it was still clearly positioned as an 'in between' model, whereas the GTD on equal level.

@Zeke - I checked the UK site when comparing the GTD to the GTI, and they've got the XDS as standard (and all the same inclusions as the GTI) and priced the GTD 500 pounds cheaper than the GTI. But you're right, the specifications and price could change if VW Australia decided to bring it here.

Thanks for the info on the suspension differences

[yowie]

Perhaps instead of the graffiti on our Golf's bum, (reads '2.0 TDI Pacific') we should have gone GTD, less to clean too
Actually, reading this thread, I'm pretty happy with the specs to dollars ratio.

[AdamD]

In Mark 5 guise, the GT Sport TDI had sports suspension (similar if not identical to GTI)

I read somewhere that the MkV Golf GT and GT TDI have the suspension tune of the MkV Sportline model. As Corey says, it sits between the Comfortline and GTI in terms of ride height and firmness.

[Highlander]

Graffiti

Perhaps instead of the graffiti on our Golf's bum, (reads '2.0 TDI Pacific') we should have gone GTD, less to clean too
Actually, reading this thread, I'm pretty happy with the specs to dollars ratio.

I'm with you. I love the badging on the rear of my CC. Nothing but the VW logo boot release. Not even a "Passat" sign anywhere.

Love it as wash and polish/wax time too.

[dencar]

My VW dealer rang VWA today and was told May '10 is the planned release for the GTD. VWA also said I could specify adaptive cruise control in my options list, so I have that plus CW, satnav, park assist, rear view camera, adaptive chassis control and bi-xenons. Starting to develop a sense of anticipation bordering on excitement.

Edit: VWA said the specifications for the Australian GTD would be released next week. Fingers crossed it includes XDS.

[Pauly]

So does that mean that the GTI will get adaptive cruise control in the 2011 builds from June/July onwards?

Find it odd that they would offer adaptive cruise control on the GTd and not the GTI? Can someone confirm?

[Corey_R]

Find it odd that they would offer adaptive cruise control on the GTd and not the GTI? Can someone confirm?

If you check out the original press release for the MK6 Golf GTI, you'll see that they dicuss Adaptive Cruise Control in there.

Adaptive Cruise Control is likely to be an option worth at least a few hunred dollars though - I wouldn't just expect a feature like that to be included as free.

[pologti18t]

Dynamic Cruise control is the same price in the UK as the Dynaudio option. $1300 approx?

[Corey_R]

Sounds about right! I'm not sure the convenience is worth that much to me personally

[dencar]

Adaptive cruise control is in my order at $2000. I think the benefits are worth it, but it is top price IMO.

[Corey_R]

Heh - $2k hey. Thanks for the information

[Klaus Hergersheimer]

[5 February 2010] No, no and no.

There has been no announcement from Volkswagen to indicate that the GTD will come to Australia - ... [Emphasis added]

I guess we all would have heard about an announcement!

But what about other indications?

According to webwombat, as far back as March 2009:

Volkswagen Australia's General Manager Press and PR told the Motoring Channel that the Golf GTD has not been confirmed for sale in Australia (it doesn't go on sale in Europe until June), but that VW would "certainly like to have it here."

"We would love to add it to the lineup," stated Volkswagen's chief of PR, adding that it would fill the gap left by the previous 125kW diesel-powered Golf GT.

Source: http://www.themotorreport.com.au/303...-for-australia


And two months later (May 2009) in the Motor Report:

The new Golf VI GTI is due to go on sale here later this year, and Volkswagen Australia is also considering the diesel-drinking Golf GTD (above).

Source: Source: http://www.themotorreport.com.au/303...-for-australia


And again in the Motor Report on 16 November 2009:

VW Australia Managing Director, Ms Anke Koeckler, confirmed to The Motor Report that the hot replacement for the Golf R32, the Golf R, is headed here in 2010, and the grunt-filled Golf GTD is also a "big probability".

Source: http://www.themotorreport.com.au/461...ig-probability

... in fact, they have said that they would be concerned that it would impact GTI sales. [Emphasis added]

Did VGA or VAG actually say this; ie, is it a fact?

Unfortunately you omitted details of the source of the concerns you attribute to Volkswagen or indicate whether it was Volkswagen's Australian arm (VGA) or HQ (VAG).

Whatever the case, Volkswagen Australia appears to have given a number of indications quite contrary to what you say is their position on the GTD.

I should be very interested to read any article where VW discusses potential cannibalisation of the GTI by the GTD.

Are you able to provide a source or, better still, a link?

It would be all the more interesting as any concerns about cannibalisation would be inconsistent with VW's view that the GTD would fill a "gap".

I presume from your statement that there has been "no announcement from Volkswagen" regarding the GTD and your knowledge about VW's intentions regarding the GTD that you are pretty well across the relevant media (or have inside information).

Nonetheless, you may have missed this announcement 10 days after your initial post on this thread as I did not see an update of your initial post:

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the diesel-powered Golf GTD will arrive in local showrooms by "mid-year" to offer drivers the option of performance style crossed with frugal consumption.

"We would like to add it to the line-up as soon as possible," Karl Gehling, General Manager Press and PR, told the Carsales Network.

Source: http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2010...irms-gtd-18303


Drive (5/3/10) reports that the GTD is slated to arrive in showrooms by mid-year.

Source: Drive supplement, SMH, 5 March 2009.

[Corey_R]

... lots of irrelevant information...

Well thanks for the information Dubya, but I was replying to a question about release dates, configuration and pricing, and so the answer was still correct - No.

I feel no need to go get any other articles since your post has already proved that VW have not made an announcement. Thank you.

[dencar]

How about this?

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/49828/2010-volkswagen-amarok-golf-r-and-gtd-confirmed-for-2nd-quarter-release-scirocco-still-no-show

I think the Managing Director has made an announcement, if the report is correct.

That was the basis for my dealer ringing VWA, who said May '10.