The initials ‘GTi’ are synonymous with the term ‘hot hatch’, to the extent that the two are almost interchangeable. But what about ‘GTD’?

Only Volkswagen aficionados are likely to remember the passing of the badge given to sporty diesel Golfs more than a decade ago.

Until now. The GTD moniker is making a happy return, simplifying the long and cumbersome names given to the last batch of fast Golf diesels.

The Golf GTD certainly looks good on paper, with 170bhp and an impressive 258lb/ft of torque being sent through a snappy six-speed manual or DSG semi-automatic gearbox.

It’s 37bhp down on the power of the similarly priced petrol GTi, but has 52lb/ft more torque.

So, what happens in a drag race? From 0-62mph the extra power and fewer gear changes see the petrol take the lead and stop the clock at 6.9 seconds.

The GTD achieves the same goal in 8.1 seconds – quick, but not enough to secure it hot hatch status in 2009.

But, diesel engines have never been great at sprints, and so it proves here.

On a sweeping A-road, dual carriageway or motorway the GTD is amongst the quickest hatchbacks around.

Not much finesse is required, simply push the accelerator to its stop in fourth, fifth or even sixth gear and feel the pace pile on without ever breaking into a sweat.

The same trick is possible in the petrol GTi, but it all happens at higher revs and uses more fuel.

Thinking man’s GTi?

Cost-saving benefits will be the main reason for most to choose a ‘D’ over an ‘I’, and they are quite convincing.

Averaging just over 50mpg with a 55-litre fuel tank, it’s possible to eke out around 600 miles between each trip to the petrol station.

The petrol manages an official 38.7mpg, but we managed a more wallet-friendly 43mpg driving carefully on a 200 mile motorway run.

Low emissions of 139g/km place it several tax bands lower, and its insurance group of 15 is two spots lower than the GTi.

If you don’t need three rear seats, it’s worth thinking about the Volkswagen Scirocco TDI 170 GT, which starts from £21,755 and has Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) as standard.

The Golf is becoming an increasingly premium car, with a price tag to match.

The Skoda Octavia vRS 170 TDI CR starts from £19,030 while the Seat Leon TDI FR is available for £18,235.

Another interesting alternative is the rear-wheel drive £23,620 BMW 120d M Sport.

View our Volkswagen Golf GTD slide show

Does it handle with the GTi verve?

The GTD sits 15mm lower than a standard Golf and rides firmly without getting too uncomfortable or losing its composure over bumps. Grip is impressive; especially with the optional 18-inch alloy wheels fitted.

But it lacks the magic of the GTi’s setup, which seems to dance along the road while offering greater feel through its steering wheel. The differences might be small, but they can be felt.

Similarly, once the going gets interesting, you find yourself craving the eager response, greater punch and more intoxicating sound of the petrol.

As with the GTi, ACC suspension is a £705 option, which adds ‘Comfort’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ suspension settings.

A GTi beater?

The Golf GTD is a great car with sharp looks, a luxurious interior and slice of GTi performance with lower running costs – but a high list price.

If you drive long distances day in day out, it’s the best performance Golf you can get your hands on.

But, the GTi is faster, handles better, sounds better and rewards the driver more of the time.

Where the GTD simply feels quick, the GTi feels special. In this case, only tick the box marked ‘diesel’ if you really need to.

Key facts

Model tested: Volkswagen Golf GTD 6-spd manual 5-dr
On the road price: £23,035
Price range: £21,850 – £23,750
Date tested: July 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin