2010 Golf TDI vs. GTI

[924leigh]

I was poised to purchase a TDI Sportswagen when I discovered this site and saw that the Golf is getting the TDI for 2010! So a big Thank you! as I will definitely have to wait and am strongly leaning in that direction. I note that the Golf TDI will get the sport suspension and 17" wheels.
So, my question:
What are the major differences between the TDI and the GTI Golfs other than the obvious, powertrains?

Counting the days! Leigh

[grizzly]

The Golf is the first VW to get the mkvi body, the Jetta is still an mkv. I've also seen it written other places. The article that Chitty wrote lays it out.

[924leigh]

my apologies. For a first post, my question was less than clear. I am wondering if information is available yet on what the differences between the different Golf models, Golf TDI vs. Golf GTI, will be?

[chittychittybangbang]

I'm going to assume US sales:

Golf TDI 2 or 4 door, MFSW and MFD+ standard (steering wheel with buttons and highend display), premium 8 touchscreen radio standard, HID headlights optional, black cloth interior only, sport seats+ suspension only, 17" wheels only.

The GTI is also 2 or 4 door, has HID headlights standard, sport buckets (they are deeper with bigger bolsters). I think the GTI suspension is tuned differently than the TDI's sport suspension but I'm not 100% sure. The GTI suspension is 0.7" lower and the TDI suspension just says "lowered" and "sport". I assume that the sport suspension is different just because of the different weights of the engine and the GTI is stiffer. Also a different bumper, engine (obviously), XDS electronic differential. It also gets MFSW and MFD+ but the steering wheel has red stitching and a flat bottom.

IMO, the new Golf and Jetta sportwagen are the best buys right now, can't go wrong with either. Of course everyone's needs and tastes are different but that's my personal opinion. And the Jetta sedan/sportwagen are nearing the end of their generation so all the problems have been worked out. For all I know, the new assembly modules on the mk6 golf may prove problematic since they are trying to cut costs. It's too early to tell.

[misajoe]

Hello,

When I found out that there will be a Golf TDI in 2010 I was so excited!! My last VW was a 1986 gas GTI that had 300,000 miles on it. They said the diesel lasts 3 times longer.... heck, I'm going to hit close to 1 million miles with the TDI!!

I have a question, since black cloth is the only option for the seats for the U.S. Golf TDI, will there heated seats be an option?

Thank you in advance!
misajoe

[chittychittybangbang]

Heated seats are part of the cold weather option package. Read this article carefully: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_h...schecklist.htm

The US spec sheet in .pdf format shows the options packages and standard features.

[misajoe]

Found it! Thank you very much!!

[grizzly]

Originally Posted by 924leigh

I note that the Golf TDI will get the sport suspension and 17" wheels.
So, my question:
What are the major differences between the TDI and the GTI Golfs other than the obvious, powertrains?

Counting the days! Leigh

Just in the USA, Canada gets different equipment. They also can't get a 2 door Golf TDI. The chassis is the same and that's a major reason to get a new mk6 chassis Golf over a mk5 Jetta.

[chittychittybangbang]

And just to squash any rumors, I'm pretty sure there will be no GTD in North America. That is the GTI with TDI 170hp engine. If they were going to certify the 170hp engine for the US, it would require lots of engineering and emissions tests which costs money. And the 2010 Audi A3 TDI isn't getting the 170hp engine either - if they were going to spend all that money they would at least make it optional on the VW or Audi but it's not.

Is it possible for 2011? Maybe, but anything beyond 2010 is pure speculation.

[volsfan0911]

Originally Posted by chittychittybangbang

And just to squash any rumors, I'm pretty sure there will be no GTD in North America. That is the GTI with TDI 170hp engine. If they were going to certify the 170hp engine for the US, it would require lots of engineering and emissions tests which costs money. And the 2010 Audi A3 TDI isn't getting the 170hp engine either - if they were going to spend all that money they would at least make it optional on the VW or Audi but it's not.

Is it possible for 2011? Maybe, but anything beyond 2010 is pure speculation.

At this point, you are correct. Was at Waterfest this past weekend in E-town and got to meet Paul Simeon (Turbo Paul on vortex) and also Jamie from Vortex as well. Both great guys and very in the loop with VW. We get the 140 bhp TDI motor and that's all planned for the immediate future. The cost is huge to certify another motor. I can safely say you'll see aftermarket upgrade potential from the usual suspects (APR, Gator, etc.) very quickly. We do get the lowered suspension, sport seats, etc. on the TDI (basically the Golf GT lineup in the rest of the world) so that makes it an "almost a GTD" minus the more powerful 170 bhp powerplant.