Everybody in the world knows the Volkswagen Golf GTI, but the GTD is a Europe-only model. That may change sometimes, but it has been going on this way for more than 30 years. Many were surprised at first to see a small diesel car with sporty pretension, but technical progress has proved that Volkswagen was right. The latest Golf GTD has 184 hp and a strong 280 lb-ft of torque at a low 1750 rpm. All that from a small 2-liter TDI. Real world mpg of 50 mpg is easy, and compared to a Prius, the hybrid car is nicer to drive in the city because it’s so smooth, but on the open road, the Golf GTD is way better. Not to mention the autobahn where the Golf GTD will feel right at home with its 143 mph top speed.

New Golf GTD will launch in late Spring, at a base price just below 30,000 euros in Germany. To anyone who drives a lot but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on fuel, this is one of the very best choice available. Well, in Europe…