The Golf GTD was for the diesel hatchbacks that the Golf GTI was for the gasoline version: a sporty car with big appeal to the young people.
In the diesel version it had a better fuel-efficiency.

In 2009, Volkswagen introduced the Golf GTD at the Leipzig Auto Mobil International Show. It was shown in both versions, with three and five doors. That was not the first GTD in history. The first generation appeared in 1982 on the first generation of the Golf. It offered 70 hp from its 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine. Fast forward to 2009.

The sixth generation of the Golf also featured a GTD version, along with the GTI. It was offered in three or five doors. The three doors, offered a sportier look for the car, with its honeycomb grille, 17” light-alloy wheels and chromed details on its front fascia. In the rear, there was a twin-exhaust and a roof-spoiler. The only differences from the outside, when compared with the GTI, were the badges and the standard wheels.

Inside, Volkswagen is known for offering a wide customization program. The standard vehicle featured cloth seats with specific design, an on-board computer display between the chromed rounded dials on the instrument cluster, and a decent infotainment system.

Under the hood there was a 2.0-turbodiesel engine that offered 100 horsepower more than the original GTD. It was mated to a 6-speed manual fitted as standard or a 7-speed DSG with dual-clutch technology.