Volkswagen remains in the driving seat at Blenheim Horse Trials

Volkswagen is providing British Eventing with additional horsepower as it is named official vehicle supplier for the third consecutive year at the Blenheim International Horse Trials from 6th to 9th September.

The new Touareg luxury 4x4, which was launched in the UK last month and features fresh new styling as well as a host of technical enhancements, will once again be used to house the dressage judges, drive officials around the cross-country course and ferry the top international riders to press conferences.

The Touareg is as impressive on-road as it is in the mud. Its all-round ability combined with excellent towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes make it the ideal car to meet the needs of those involved in equestrian events. Having proved its capability last year by towing a Boeing 747 aircraft, the Touareg V10 TDI is more than up to the challenge of moving even the largest of horseboxes! In addition, a new trailer stabilisation feature which is standard with all Touaregs with a factory-fit towbar enhances safety by sensing and neutralising any snaking motion.

Features such as permanent four-wheel drive, low and high gear ratios, electronic traction control linked to an auto-locking centre differential, hill start and descent assist, a rollover sensor and short front and rear overhangs all contribute to class-leading capability when venturing off the beaten track. Versions with air suspension with the benefit of automatic and manual height adjustment have enhanced off-road ability and can ford depths of up to 580 mm. The Touareg can climb hills of 45 degrees and traverse those of 35 degrees. A range of engines is available from the 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre TDIs right up to the 5.0-litre V10 TDI with 313 PS, as well as a 3.6-litre V6 petrol unit. Prices for the new car start at £29,550 RRP on the road.

The new Touareg also benefits from a host of electronic driver aids, such as enhanced ABS, brake assist and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme). The revised system now incorporates Active Rollover Protection (ARP), rain brake support, fading brake support and understeer control logic which sharpens the Touareg’s turning behaviour through a corner.

In refinement the Touareg bears comparison with luxury saloons, thanks to careful attention to the reduction of cabin noise and vibration. All models in the range are well appointed and equipped, and there is a comprehensive array of optional luxury equipment including the powerful new 620-watt Dynaudio entertainment system.

Mike Etherington-Smith, event director at Blenheim, commented: ‘We are delighted to continue our relationship with Volkswagen. The new Touareg will be crucial for enabling officials to move efficiently around the event site and their smart presence will only serve to enhance the weekend.’

Adam Chamberlain, Head of Planning and Luxury Cars at Volkswagen, said: ‘We’re very pleased to be continuing our relationship with the Blenheim International Horse Trials. The natural fit between British Eventing and our products has reaped mutual benefits for the past few years, and we are looking forward to showcasing the new Touareg at this year’s event.’

To book tickets to the Blenheim International Horse Trials, a weekend of high-class competition, family entertainment and fabulous shopping, visit blenheim-horse.co.uk. For further information on the new Touareg or other Volkswagen products and services, visit volkswagen.co.uk.