Comparative Test between the two most powerful diesel in its class, the Volvo V40 D4 190 hp and the Volkswagen Golf GTD, with a yield of 184 hp.

They are two of the most compact form. The Volkswagen Golf GTD and the new Volvo V40 D4 seem to smell blood. They have the traditional GTI already in the spotlight and threaten today with ramming. Under this apparently common skin, they lurk two privileged chassis and two engines of 184 and 190 hp, respectively, we avanzadísimos. Authentic sports, yes, smelling turbodiesel.

Hold on to the seat, because come two gifted Volkswagen Golf Y Volvo V40 to break the established order. Not that the traditional GTI today and stampeding flee, much less, because it also has evolved very still here to stay. But if plug-in hybrids, with its strong electrical support, proclaim themselves on one side and as their future (as it announced VW at least in its new variants GTE), on the other these Diesel beleaguer from today certainly throughout its territory … even threatening to tear it down to leak now, and also from Germany, which next VW Golf 8 will have an R with the new 2.0 TDi biturbo: In the Passat and pays no less than 240 hp.

They are myths that, like it or not, today evolve, this time covered in the unbeatable offering the most modern turbodiesel between speed and consumption… and, why not say it in his already surpassed grade of “petroletas”. Although obviously without the finesse and the stretched even the best gasoline, has long left behind the clouds of black smoke, vibrate less and less (the new engine is very refined Volvo D4), Stretched here and up to 5,000 rpm hard and even sound nice, especially a Volkswagen Golf GTD with an optional exhaust sound amplified very suggestive and little to envy the GTi. Tricks also apply.

Of course, if your improvements in tact still do not convince you, it is that not also know the performance of these new turbodiesel. So foot thoroughly, also because we now have two of the best in the sport compact Diesel moment. They do not reach such a great final compromise and end caps Opel Astra Biturbo 195 CV, Ford Focus ST 2.0 TDCi 185 hp, Peugeot 308 180 GT BlueHDI, Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM 175 hp Y Class Mercedes 220 CDi 170… even the Seat Leon and Audi A3 2.0 TDi with the VW Golf shares motor. Only BMW can beat them with their performance 1 Series 120d 184 hp and, above all, 125d of 218, but in exchange for a balanced response also less and less pleasure in daily use; a concept, therefore, more radical and less GTi.

One or two turbos?

And here, in this comparison, we speak now GTI taste. Volvo V40 and Volkswagen Golf GTD and begin to build their success in two mechanical avanzadísimas. Yes Golf Diesel and bet the only market with variable valve timing, volvo It presents its new generation Drive-e, 4 aluminum cylinder with 2 sequential turbos and unpublished adaptive i-Art Technology pressure control in each injector and an injection pressure of 2500 bar. Superb. Overpopulated from below and with more torque whenever your opponent, you feel a real lightning and very, very progressive. Certainly more than a VW Golf GTD is all explosiveness. But the race has only just begun.

More pointed, the Volkswagen Golf TDI GTD you appreciate some slow response (which never empty) in the first quarter to engine speed, the overnight move on to the fullness prowling and 1,700 rpm. They are feelings that, in turn, does not reflect our lap later. Lightning fast two, the Volvo V40 D4 however did not then reached with his immediate kick to follow the trail of Golf GTD, a body always ahead of him. Explanations to? Above all, both.

The first lies in the greater volume of body of a Volvo V40 D4 losing reaction as 115 kg Extra on his rival. The second is merely a matter of change. Volvo bet here a new speed automatic transmission 8 and torque converter. If you think that this is another car with the popular ZF has made bigger to BMW, you’re wrong … as I did. Being good, that is, just start to feel less smooth and somewhat slower than the exceptional ZF. Questions and answer: Aisin is, Nor is it Manca today to develop new boxes and 3-cylinder engines BMW, such as the i8 supercar. Nor, therefore, it is as fast as, abrupt maneuvers but something super fast, DSG dual clutch VW Golf GTD, here today 6-speed variant and even function better plan than the Volvo V40: no need to reach 70 km / h to enter into inertia by releasing gas mode, unlike Aisin.

Too bad so therefore the new Volvo V40 D4 has to be measured in the category, to face a Volkswagen Golf GTD even faster and spends less (the two are able to usually shoot little above 5 l / 100 km consumption) Because to give you an idea of ​​how good it is also, in the end run and spends like a Seat Leon FR TDI with 200 kg less. And it’s a lot.

projectiles

Speed ​​therefore spare, and both the fastest Volkswagen Golf GTD and the new Volvo V40 D4. So we need to see how the then managing road. From the beginning we talk about GTI concept, and follow both the millimeter. In fact, the Volkswagen Golf GTD retains same chassis tuning (incidentally, lowered 15 mm) and brakes, finishes and options to the VW Golf GTI equipment. If you do not open the hood and forget certain spellings are almost two drops of water. Both above the average as carrying and peering the premium segment (More convinces me there by finishing the Volvo V40, design and adjustments, but not a more limited space), VW and Volvo compact propose two well pleased and driveability.

They both know very comfortable if so, primarily a Volvo V40 imposed quality start rolling slightly higher. He teaches his firmness frame rear axle certain dryness in the step pothole, but his poise and quality of workmanship are reflected in a magnificent trodden by expressways. A locomotive. Close to forcefulness one wheel Volkswagen Golf GTD Golf here so good … and then between curves almost as large GTI. And it is Hence, as a sports race, where it starts to make a difference. Plane turns and very noble of reactions, the Volvo V40 goes always seeped into his touch and mark more understeer when starting props: the greater weight again is present.

In return, the Volkswagen Golf GTD is more agile. With a very fast direction variable radius it just requires adaptation and a back that never disturbs (for that lurks an ESP that does not support total disconnection) this Golf is a remote control car that also keeps an ace up his sleeve … and not just talk about their different driving profiles allow you to move from good comfort at maximum agility keystroke (more with optional active suspension DCC) while the Volvo V40 you can only against payment modify steering feel or choose Sport chassis. No, I speak of your + XDS improved system, an electronic differential autoblocante which helps to avoid saturating both the front: anticipate some acceleration when you’re minimally supported and feel how it works to guide the apex without losing wheel. Not the Haldex new Seat León Cupra, but it works very well.

In short, if you want more vivid reactions and sportier emotion, maybe in the category the BMW 120d or 125d are actually your car. But if what interests you is a very fast and compact sports car for everyday use, I tell you, today you will not find better balance in this good Volvo V40 D4 and, above all, in this Finally faster and more accurate Volkswagen Golf GTD. Undoubtedly, the GTI is touched.