The GTD has always been popular,but nowadays, if you're going to spend that much on a golf, and you're looking for something sporty, you'd surely just go for a GTI. And if economy was that important, the GTE makes more sense. I guess the GTD still has its place for those clocking up major motorway miles and who don't have the opportunity to charge the hybrid much.
I look at it from a Texas perspective. If I were going to drive across Texas (885 miles east/west and 915 miles north/south) the GTD would be a good option and combine a bit of sport with great economy.