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Car-buying confidence hits new high

THE NUMBER of people who believe they will buy a new car in the next three years has jumped to 71%, according to the latest AA Car Purchase Index; up from 55% last year. Of the 19,786 survey respondents who said they were going to buy a new car, 42% said they would choose a petrol engine, with 38% saying definitely diesel. A further 13% don’t know what fuel type they will opt for, but 7% will choose some kind of hybrid and 1% will go fully electric – a total of exactly 100 respondents.

Volkswagen Touran Match released

Volkswagen has announced the VW Touran Match It’s hard to get excited about the Touran, with its boxy profile and drab – though comfortable – interior. But it’s very practical with its three rows of seats, which can actually be removed (they aren’t too heavy) giving you a very useful van for lugging gubbins around. But the Touran is a decent enough drive, even if the ride is a bit on the firm side., and its build quality shows through in the distinct lack of shake, rattle and roll.

2014 Hemi Ram pickup starts at $24,605

The 2014 Ram 1500 will start at $24,605, including destination, when it goes on sale at the end of the summer. That will get you a two-wheel-drive model with a 395-hp Hemi. The new EcoDiesel V6 will be the top trim level, costing about three grand more than a similarly equipped Hemi-powered version.