Following the launch of the MkVII Golf in Paris last year, Volkswagen has revealed one of the car’s first variants, the sporty Golf GTD.

The diesel-powered hot hatch is scheduled to make its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on March 5, where it will likely join the highly anticipated MkVII Golf GTI and new e-Golf electric car, both of which are expected to be launched in the U.S. around the end of the year.

Though there have been reports that Volkswagen is seriously considering the Golf GTD for local sale, we wouldn’t hold our breath short of anything but an official confirmation.  

That’s a shame, because the Golf GTD is one very cool car.

Like all MkVII Golf variants, the latest Golf GTD rides on the Volkswagen Group’s brilliant MQB platform, which not only affords more powerful engines and more interior space than previous generation cars, but better fuel economy and much lighter weight.

The MQB is around 220 pounds lighter than the platform it replaces and the Golf GTD tips the scales at just over 3,000 pounds.

The latest car also picks up a new EA288 TDI turbodiesel engine, which is rated at 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter unit delivers its peak torque from as little as 1,750 rpm, which should make the GTD very eager around town and possibly quicker off the line than some much more powerful cars.

By comparison, the outgoing MkVI Golf GTD only put out 168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Both six-speed manual and six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmissions are available, and interestingly it is the manual that is the more efficient option. Volkswagen says the manual-equipped Golf GTD is good for up to 56 mpg on the European combined cycle. Not bad for a car that can fit five and accelerate to 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds.

To go along with the potent powerplant, the Golf GTD also picks up many Golf GTI styling cues. These include a sporty body kit, 17-inch alloys, lowered suspension and chrome-tipped exhausts.

The cabin also gets sports seats with GTI-inspired tartan trim, a sports steering wheel and metal pedals. Other standard goodies include white ambient lighting, automatic climate control, park assist, and a touch-screen infotainment system.

Sales of the MkVII Volkswagen Golf GTD start in Europe this summer. 

        Original story in Motorauthority