Is the 2018 VW Golf GTD Estate the perfect all-rounder?

[@gardupgti4609]

We drive a 2014 Mk7 GTD in France. Recent change in circumstance means driving predominantly A roads and auto-routes 150km each way. Genuine and long term 4.1l/100km or 70+mpg. Very refined and relaxing, space for stuff (fence posts, visitors and luggage etc.), auto cruise etc etc. and it does make you smile when pushed over mountains or whatever. Not an estate, so not immediately relevant to these threads, but is happy experience after 5 years ownership. Being poor, the other car is an UP GTI, which is much more fun than would seem sensible, best on the different and narrower local roads. Still, that will happily do a 300km round trip to the airport on the smooth autoroute at nearly 70mg and leave you relaxed and smiling. But everyday, we take the GTD for the distance stuff and the UP for the local mountain twisties. Each excel in these roles. Andrew - please find a way to keep these videos going! They are entertaining, informative, and I find myself looking forward to the next installment. Already subscribed - what else can I do? As so many have said - great stuff - thanks!

[@kennethross996]

I have a metallic black 7.5 GTD DSG. All the performance you can use on UK roads and averages 56mpg. Wouldn’t have anything else.

[@kb8729]

You average 56mpg? Mad. I average like 40mpg

[@Jonsk111]

40 is really poor you are driving like you stole it but it’s a choice, wonder what you would get on a gti 😂

[@elliotlangley9529]

I used to have a polo gti and got max 27mpg and when I was giving it a blast would drop to 16-18 😂

[@williamgson4055]

I seriously don't understand why VW doesn't sell these here in Sweden. The Golf is the best selling car already, a GTD estate would make them sell even better because it seems like we can't get enough of diesel estates here. The Octavia vRS tdi is already everywhere. I would buy one.

[@volkswizard]

Hey William, I didn't know they didn't sell them in Sweden. Weird if the Golf is popular and diesel estates are popular too there. VW can do some weird things 😁

[@Jonsk111]

That’s weird, these were sold in finland. I own one and can confirm it is much nicer than a vrs, even though they are very similar. Vrs is a lot more popular here though.

[@terrylee2518]

Really enjoy your blogs I’ve got a golf GTD a mark 7.5 absolutely adore it cheap tax cheap to run and I think it runs really well could Drive it all day long I’ve had all all VW golf’s From Mark one up to the mark six not the mark five didn’t like it not a lot of difference went onto the Audi A3 is now I’m back with a VW golf GTD as I said smashing car keep up the good work PS you should get yourself one

[@jjs3287]

Mk5 GTI was a return to form for VW after the tame MK4 but the dashboard was a bit van like.

[@kwingy11]

Nice review, I have a 17 plate GTD estate and I can't fault it. Don't get me wrong I got 2 kids and the back is deffo a bit small but the luggage storage more then makes up for it. The extra diesel power also has no problem with a heavy load and overtaking as well is easy on the motorway. I agree tho that the car is not that engaging to drive but what it does, it does well and averaging 50mpg when flooring it never gets old!!

[@tredfxman]

How big is the price differance between the Golf GTD ESTATE & a Passat with similar engine? Coz if i had a family, idont see any reason why i wodent choose a Roomier Passat, if it werent for too steep price. Ithink the Golf Plus have a market, since its for Taller People. But a Golf Estate? Is it really needed? Anyone know the price Diffrence? 🙄

[@volkswizard]

I've had a quick look and the nearest is a Passat GT 190 TDI DSG (no manual) for £35k, GTD Estate DSG would be £31k. However it's not as simple as that because it's more about finance costs which are based on depreciation and the GTD will do a lot better than the Passat making it far more attractive to buyers. The Passat is significantly larger but this isn't always a good thing and unless you really need the extra space, the Golf's more compact shape will be easier to park etc. It's also going to be nicer to drive than a GT Passat and has the sporty looks a lot of people will want if they can't have an estate version of a GTI to get the family in.

[@tredfxman]

@@volkswizard Yeah i see your valid points. However if i could choose i think i would pick the Passat in this case, just for the added comfort & maby a more relaxed drive. If its only about money & resale value however, the GTD Estate might be interesting. Iwas just thinking about the engine durability though. Im not sure about Diesels, but if its a 4 Cyl engine the relability shodent be as high, if you wanna keep it real long (say 10 years or more) So maby in that case Passat would have bigger engines to choose from for realability in the long run? Not sure if it makes much sense with todays engines, but its just a thought.

[@darrencottrell5541]

That is one attractive estate car, really admired the flecks in the silver paintwork as they popped in the sun. Practical, economical, solid build and sporting prowess (to a degree) - a winning formula, or at least, it should be.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Darren! Great value second hand, this nearly new car is for sale at under £20k with low mileage which seems like a bargain considering what it can do.

[@petertamblin3309]

😅I run a red 14 plate 3door manual gtd with a Celtic remap giving 226 bhp. With lower up rated springs and black BBS wheels she looks the business, handles well and really flies. Who needs a gti ??

[@johncroxon]

I’ve got one in issac blue and it’s amazing to drive just flawed with poor quality parts, currently sitting in VW dealership awaiting new sunroof frame failed and leaked and drivers seat collapsed for a second time in 15mths. I’d still have another one though it’s an epic family tourer.

[@jakehammond7972]

The golf estate is ideal. The Passat estate all though bigger I don’t think it’s boots size advantage is good enough considering the extra length which makes manoeuvreing more difficult

[@simonthompson9380]

Loved my my 7 GTD - frustrating unresolved coolant issues forced sale. Estate could tempt a return in preference to the ubiquitous SUV for a return...... however never lacked enough room in hatch so GTI is still on radar.

[@m.allmark]

Looked at one of these to replace my mk5 gti golf but I've been warned the drive just won't be the same. I do around 8k miles a year with shorter trips during the week (10-15 mile round trips) then longer 2 hour drives at the weekend (for fun/days out)

[@mickyp2006]

Remap and this becomes a different animal. 220+hp and mountains of torque

[@brysonjamir872]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does anybody know a way to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost the account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@cashbennett6153]

@Bryson Jamir Instablaster =)

[@brysonjamir872]

@Cash Bennett Thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@brysonjamir872]

@Cash Bennett it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account !

[@cashbennett6153]

@Bryson Jamir No problem :)

[@podkriznikaljaz]

11:26 That's hilarious. Really want to buy one of these!

[@alainuyttenhove7485]

I have one and he can be fast to , with some software changes I do a 0-100km/u in 6.5sec. The software of the dsg is also changed , some numbers: 248hp 503nm

[@alexb2612]

Is that a safe retune? That's quite an increase in power and torque. Can the gearbox handle that kind of power over alot of miles? How many miles/km have you done with it tuned and who tuned it. Thanks for the info in advance. I have a Fiesta ST and that is nippy at 212bhp. The mpg isn't so great though, I'm lucky if I get 30/32mpg. The GTD with DSG really appeals to me 👍

[@alainuyttenhove7485]

Alex B , VAGtechniek in the Netherlands did the tune ! I run now 18.000k with it and love it , the dsg change up to a maximum of 750nm ! Those guys now what they do , by the end of the year there also comes a Wagner intercooler !

[@alexb2612]

@@alainuyttenhove7485 Thanks. I think I will have to do abit of research into who is tuning them in the UK and how much. I don't want to go down the route of a tuning box.

[@kb8729]

Most GTDs won’t return more than 220bhp. Good on fuel though if you drive carefully

[@donrichter3523]

Seems like a lovely practical driver’s car. 👍🏻Sadly after dieselgate, no more VAG diesels to the USA.

[@sparkford04]

Andrew, a very well priced family estate and workhorse. Really nice looking and spec'd.

[@manjbains1977]

Great video again mate. It's a perfect car if you loads of miles a year. There is few on the road too, as see so many everyday. To me they look superb too!!! The only other problem is they are getting stolen a lot too so would upgrade the security system. Too many jealous scumbags out there!!!

[@volkswizard]

If you want to know why I don't own one...😒

[@manjbains1977]

@@volkswizard the A2 is perfect for what you want too. You have had it tuned for more power, great economy, plenty of space and easy to park

[@malcolmscott4150]

Looking suave Andrew - great car and excellent review - diesel and R estate are my favourite Golfs :)

[@volkswizard]

Thanks manky old tee-shirt?! It think it's been in videos since 2016 and was old then. Collar is up as the sun is very strong and my neck burns easily. Glad you enjoyed it Malcolm, the estates do have their charm :)

[@sonofrobert]

Awesome car there! I drive a '15 tsi se Sportwagon 6sp auto. Love it and have gotten 39mpg, 170hp/200 torque. No breakdowns and at 57k miles.

[@964tractorboy]

A good thorough video as usual, thanks. No doubt a great car to live with day-to-day, but the “dark side” is not for me.

[@volkswizard]

Thank you 964tractorboy!

[@jamesbutler606]

I regret not buying one of these and getting the GTI.

[@volkswizard]

Hi James, the GTI is good but do you particularly want an Estate?

[@graham.w89]

Another great video , love these types of videos. I noticed the key was blue !, was that an extra or standard for the GTD ?. PS Hope you get your 10k subscribers , i would miss your videos if you had to close it down.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Graham, and that's very kind of you. TBH the view rates recently have been so poor that I am not sure how long I will persist with videos, I will probably give it this summer and see how it goes. Luckily there is some very good content on the horizon so stay tuned 👍

[@TheKierony]

volkswizard Hope you don’t stop mate, really enjoy all your content!

[@kimgriffiths7444]

Yes, really please don't stop! Your VW vids are great. You cover the things real world drivers want to know (I can't resist laying down when the back seats are down either)..sensible, you never know when you might have to sleep there. Good luck. 🤞🏼

[@cliveneilands1449]

Had the same CR motor code in my Touran, once it was tuned by Celtic it became real fun to drive.

[@simonhockney7896]

Another great video Andrew, really nice these GTD estates.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Simon !

[@spudhead1161]

Just bought the same a couple days ago, had an a6 allroad c7 and this VW feels like a tin can, pretty expensive.

[@ghostinthemachine76]

Chequered underpants? 😂 I love the chequered seats. I think they look better in the GTD, without the red.

[@volkswizard]

I guess seat colour is subjective (just like chequered underpants 😁)

[@huntawayfamily8040]

Had a mk7 GTD hatch which I sold and bought a 7.5 R estate. I loved my R, had it less than 6 months and now it's been stolen. Seriously considering buying a GTD estate now.

[@sabriabi8284]

R32 least once watched the video that there were only 4 units in Turkey in 2010 and was the one we

[@vegasphil]

Just found this as rather tempted by GTD estate..... good vid as usual 👍🏻

[@cliveneilands1449]

Still think the Leon ST looks so much better. Opinions and tastes of course differ

[@jjs3287]

As an ex company car user whos covered many hundreds of thousands of miles its now diesel all the way for me every time. You can keep the 1.5 tsi petrol.

[@JLo1960]

Andrew, as always a great review. Have to say though I'm wary of diesels now because I think very soon the government/council's are going to ban them from our cities and this will cause the market to abandon them.

[@welshy8216]

Abandon them ? Its already happened, Dealers are struggling to shift them today

[@volkswizard]

This perception of diesel getting banned is sadly down to the media taking a very simplistic view that all diesels are bad - these Euro 6 cars are very clean and therefore not subject to the clean air charges (I don't think any cars are actually banned yet are they they?). All Mk7 GTDs are Euro 6 and some of these are now worth slightly over £10k so older diesels are worth even less and if they ever get banned will be worth bugger all. But in the time they have been in use they will have returned far better mpg, been more reliable and emitted far less Co2. OK particulates are an issue in cities and yes the air in London is hideous but when they get rid of all the shitty old black cabs (a long way away judging by my recent visit) then things will improve massively. Long live diesel I say!

[@volkswizard]

I haven't noticed a massive drop in demand but prices are attractive. Don't buy a new one for cash and you will be OK as PCP is attractive and used prices reflect demand so are quite good - £31k new for a DSG, 6 months, 7000 miles later and it's £22k. Plus cheaper road tax, cheaper Benefit In Kind tax for company car users. If the government wanted to kill diesel why is my ancient Audi A2 TDI PD still just £30 tax for the year?

[@stevesje71]

How have diesel vehicles been more reliable? I’ve seen better reliability and cheaper repair costs on petrol. You’ve only to look around and see the number of diesel cars pushing out black smoke to see they aren’t the be all end all of reliability. These days I’d have petrol over a diesel, there’s so much that can go wrong with a diesel that has very expensive parts such as the high pressure pump. I’ve seen Delphi diesel pumps break up inside resulting in metal particles travelling to the injectors causing over fuelling and failure. A pump and injectors cost rendering the car scrap. In London there is a £12.50 ULEZ for Euro4 compliant and previous standards. So no it’s not a ban but as good as one when you weigh up the costs just to go into a zone of London. It’s only ever going to get worse in the future and I believe a ban is inevitable for certain areas of London.

[@rxbstvr_cars1794]

I wonder if there is going to be a mk8 gtd 🤔

[@volkswizard]

Well they've just made the Audi S6 a diesel so it's clearly not over yet

[@andreiflorian01]

Less CO2 from VW? That's a joke

[@bardenegri21]

Good stuff

[@volkswizard]

Thanks again NS Gaming 👍

[@alistairpowers8129]

It is a complete package, nice car Andrew, you could just about get everything onboard including the kitchen sink.

[@volkswizard]

Sets of wheels and the odd bumper are what I need to carry but as you say Alistair, I think it can do that AND the kitchen sink!

[@steveo8533]

Great review. Thanks.

[@davewatts7444]

The only reason I am looking at a gtd is the tartan seats having seen a mk1 gti in 1974 and was blown away by it. Mercedes tried it on the 190 it was a miserable copy

[@alexmolete]

What do you think about the new Audi A1?

[@volkswizard]

I like it though it's spec dependent & higher spec models are quite dear. Looks good on the road like a sharpened A3. Would love to drive the high powered petrol version👍

[@markday6524]

I find that my 2109 GOLF GTI is my perfect car. At least for me. 1ST.

[@volkswizard]

GTI is good too, just depends on your mileage really, Oh, and you can't get an Estate!🤣

[@tredfxman]

You must be from the future dude! Its 2109 already..? 😄

[@MW413]

Alltrack TSI review please

[@volkswizard]

If you can get VW Press office to lend it to me, I will review yet 👍

[@bombardierboerboels]

Can you get the gtd with 4moition

[@DaraM73]

Diesel & and “free conscience” is a tad disingenuous

[@volkswizard]

Much lower Co2 than petrol and marginally worse Nox on Euro 6 like this car so I stand by that statement.

[@justinbunting7704]

Niice but diesels are on there way out so not worth buying 1 now .

[@volkswizard]

VW are using twin dosing tech where Ad Blue is injected at two points and NOx emissions are down 80%, Co2 is lower than petrol too. Media have got a lot to answer for. Diesel also suits the SUVs that everyone seems to want to drive.

[@steveo8533]

Diesel will be around few quite a while, petrol is no good for towing and long distance mpg.

[@AircooledAl]

Probably where the Germans keep their sausages 😂😂😂😂😂

[@sabriabi8284]

Türkiye'de bizde r32 vardı ve sadece o zamanda turkiyede sadece 4 tane vardı

[@kbsub]

Can you do an updated video Mk8 please

[@PerfectSnowball]

How wrong you were about flares

[@Salgandarin]

Quite simply no.

[@utopian666]

That comment about flares has aged well 😂