Hot hatch enthusiasts in the US are quite familiar with the Volkswagen Golf GTI and its 2.0-liter turbo four-pot gasoline engine. But in Europe buyers also have the option of having the Golf GTD, a diesel-powered version of the same car. But the question is whether potential US buyers would be willing to sacrifice some horsepower for improved fuel economy and more torque? The GTD is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo oil burner and it's been a solid success overseas so far.

Because of this, Volkswagen is reportedly considering offering it stateside in the upcoming next-gen model. But for now, Motor Trend's Carlos Lago gets behind the wheel of the diesel-powered hot hatch to see just how it compares to its gasoline-engined sibling.