RESEARCH by Eden Vauxhall in Dorset reveals that it’s the little things in life that make the biggest difference when it comes to putting Brits in a brilliant mood. Topping the list of reasons to feel happy is enjoying a sunny day, with two thirds of those in the South West enjoying raising a smile when the sun shines.

The research coincides with the screening of Vauxhall’s new Reasons to be Cheerful TV campaign for the Astra; a vehicle which offers a spec guaranteed to generate a grin.

THIS month, visitors to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu can take part in a host of fun and creative summer activities inspired by the museum’s collections.

Sponsored by The Caravan Club, the sessions will take place in the museum on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from until August 29 between 12–4pm.

There will be a range of activities on offer including construction, colouring, and crafting. Families can take part in a Towcar Challenge to design, build and road test their very own car and caravan.

SMMT has significantly raised its forecast for 2013 new car registrations, predicting sales will reach 2.216 million units, 8.4 per cent ahead of 2012.

Strong performance across the private, fleet and business market sectors saw the 17th successive monthly rise in July, growing 12.7 per cent to 162,228 units.

Registrations of alternatively-fuelled vehicles grew 17.0 per cent in the month to 2,432 and hit 17,859 units for the January to July period.

Plug-in car registrations have risen 70.7% over the first seven months of 2013, to 1,885 units.