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Volkswagen Polo GTI compact hatckbac car on display at Brussels Expo

Does Owning a Volkswagen GTI Make You More Likely to Get Pulled Over?

It’s tempting to put the pedal to the metal, especially when you are running late for an appointment or meeting. With vehicles like the 2020 Volkswagen GTI that can hit a top speed of 155 mph, sometimes it’s hard to stay within the designated speed limit. A recent survey shows that certain vehicles get pulled …

It’s tempting to put the pedal to the metal, especially when you are running late for an appointment or meeting. With vehicles like the 2020 Volkswagen GTI that can hit a top speed of 155 mph, sometimes it’s hard to stay within the designated speed limit.

A recent survey shows that certain vehicles get pulled over more often for speeding. The Volkswagen GTI happens to find itself at the top of that list. 

Whether it’s the turbocharged engine or Autobahn-tuned sport suspension, Volkswagen GTI owners are seeing flashing red lights in their rearview mirror a lot more frequently than other car owners.

Which vehicles get the most speeding tickets?

Insurify is a popular auto insurance comparison website that wanted to determine which vehicles get pulled over most frequently for speeding. Contrary to what most people would think, the high-performance sports cars that are on the market today weren’t the culprit. Instead, the study, put together in a list by MotorTrend, revealed that an unsuspecting sedan received 49 percent more speeding tickets than any other vehicle.

To determine the results, Insurify first collected data from more than 2.5 million applications for new auto insurance quotes. They looked at the model of the car as well as the driving record of the vehicle owner. Next, they cross-referenced that information with the national averages. The data allowed them to identify which vehicle owners had received the most speeding tickets and what type of car they were driving. They were then able to produce a list of the top 10 vehicles most likely to be stopped for speeding.

The biggest offender is the Subaru WRX sedan, where one in five drivers reported getting a speeding violation. The Volkswagen GTI took second place, followed by the Subaru Impreza. For those wanting to avoid a speeding ticket, stay away from the Dodge product line. The Dart, Challenger, Charger, and even the Ram 2500 pickup truck made it onto the list.

There’s something about these vehicles that make police officers take notice. Maybe, it’s the sleek look, or maybe people who prefer these models have a heavy foot. Other cars on the list included the Infiniti G37, Hyundai Veloster, and the Nissan 350Z two-seater.

Drivers of the Volkswagen GTI keep getting pulled over

According to Insurify, 17.38 percent of Volkswagen GTI drivers have received a speeding violation. The speedy and sporty reputation may explain why a lot of people keep getting tickets. Ranked in the No. 2 spot on the top 10 list, this small hatchback’s innocent look is deceiving.

The affordable performance car offers a balanced ride and powerful engine that is hard to hold back. The responsive steering and midrange torque makes the GTI a favorite among those who have the need for speed.

Owners of the Volkswagen GTI have received 40 percent more speeding tickets compared to the national average for other vehicles.

Why is the Volkswagen GTI so fast?

In 1976, the 1.6-liter Volkswagen GTI appeared in the U.S. as part of the Rabbit product line. Putting out a mere 110 hp, it is a far cry from the current GTI that gets a powerful 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Now in its seventh generation, the GTI is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine. The lightweight vehicle can get from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. There are two transmission options that include the six-speed manual or the seven-speed dual-clutch.

An Autobahn-tuned sport suspension allows for automatic adjustment to driving modes that include eco, comfort, normal, and sport. Car enthusiasts have come to know this car as a “hot hatch.” Adaptive chassis dampers, locking front differential, and performance brakes make this a fun little car to drive. Just keep an eye out for speed traps.

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