IF you want to prove the strength of a vehicle, why not enlist the help of a Boeing 747 weighing 155 tonnes?

That is exactly what Volkswagen did using a standard production Touareg V10 TDI, which completed seven runs on an auxiliary runway at Dunsfold Aerodrome, near Gatwick, while towing the aircraft, using a special adaptor.

A manufacturer spokesman said the attempt was carried out to demonstrate the strength and durability of the Touareg – while pointing out that the vehicle won the Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards in 2004 and 2005.