In 2008, at the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled the sixth generation of the Golf.
It was a surprising move from the fifth generation, which was on sale for only five years.

The sixth-generation was more of a re-work of the fifth generation since it shared the same platform PQ35. In 2009, based on the Mk6, the car-maker launched the Golf GTD. An oil-burner with hot-hatch performance and high fuel efficiency.

The GTD was the diesel version of a Golf GTI. It featured an aggressive styling with a big central grille in the front bumper and two side air-intakes for the disc-brakes. In those air-intakes, the constructor installed the fog-lights. The radiator grille featured two horizontal silver lines and a chromed badge with the GTD letters. In the back, a short roof-spoiler was installed over the tailgate.

Inside, the three-spoke steering wheel featured a sporty design, and the GTD letters on the lower spoke. The dashboard layout was similar to a well-equipped Golf, with the infotainment unit on the center stack, above the climate control unit. Thanks to a five-door configuration, it was a good car for a family, but quick enough for a sportier drive.

Under the hood, there was an upgraded 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine mated to a standard 6-speed manual gearbox. The power went to the front wheels. As an option, a 6-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic was available. If a DSG was installed, two shift-paddles were installed behind the steering wheel for + and – gear changes.