What’s new in refreshed BMW 3-Series range?

Irish customers will now be given the choice of three petrols, including a plug-in hybrid that now boasts an all-electric range of 101km.

Serious performance fans need not fret as the mega six-cylinder inline beast, which pumps out 374bhp, will remain in the M340i.

All new models will come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, complete with shift paddles.

Company-car favourite the 330e gets a larger 19.3kWh battery, which not only ups the range but also allows for faster 11kWh charging, which means it will juice up fully in two hours and 15 minutes.

Now in its seventh generation, the compact executive models get their second refit (having been given a major digital makeover in 2022), so the actual design stays exactly the same.

Two new colours have been added – Arctic race blue and fire red metallic – while two-tone 19-inch rims are also an option.

The biggest changes can be seen inside, where a newly designed steering wheel takes pride of place in the driver-­focused cockpit.

The M Sport models get an extra sprinkling of raciness with a flat-bottomed rim and a discreet centre marking in the 12 o’clock position.

Also getting a tech tweak is the stunning curved display dashboard, which now has BMW’s super-fast Operating System 8.5 powering it.

This new software also offers quick-select buttons for rapid access to climate control, or through Alexa-style voice commands.

The cabin is treated to Cascade lighting that can be adjusted in both hue and brightness and promises to complement the new Sensatec perforated seats in back, tacora red or cognac. The optional Vernasca leather trim is now offered in four colours.

Standard kit has been improved too, with entry-level saloons getting 17-inch light-alloy wheels (18-inch on plug-in-hybrd), M high-gloss shadow line, and parking assistant which includes park distance control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear.

Three-zone automatic climate control and BMW Live Cockpit Plus with the curved display, including BMW Maps navigation system, are also fitted. The Touring model comes as standard with automatic tailgate operation and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat backrest, which is available as an option for the Saloon.

Topping the options list are sport seats and ambient lighting, Harman Kardon surround-­sound, and electrically operated glass roof for the Saloon and a panoramic glass sunroof for the Touring.

If that’s not spicy enough, you could (if you have the spare cash) consider the all-new M3 CS, which recently broke cover. With a super-lightweight construction, the new offering features carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, increased engine power and a bespoke chassis setup.

Under the bonnet lies a 550bhp six-cylinder inline engine that’s twinned to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

The M Setup menu also lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs an even greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. These combine to produce a 0-100km sprint time of 3.4 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kmh. Prices in Ireland will start from €211,660.

The new 3 Series is available to order now, with the Saloon starting from €56,700 and the Touring from €58,910.

Smart EVs expanding with new #3 coupe

Following quickly in the footsteps of the #1 comes Smart’s latest addition, a coupe SUV called the #3.

Measuring 4.4m long, 1.8m wide, 1.6m high, with a 2.7m wheelbase, the new EV is built on the same platform as the Volvo EX-30 and sports athletic curves, a shark nose with a wide A-shaped grill and slim LED headlights.

A striking rear spoiler, 19-inch alloys and frameless doors add a huge dollop of sportiness. Inside, a floating centre console is combined with high-quality design and sumptuous two-tone leather seats. A high-resolution 12.8-inch touchscreen is home to a state-of-the-art infotainment system linked to a 13-speaker audio system.

The cockpit also sports a panoramic roof, a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and ambient lighting. The boot can take 370 litres of luggage, which expands to 1,160 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded, while there’s 15 litres of storage in the “frunk”.

Powered by an all-electric motor with rear-wheel drive, it generates a meaty 268bhp and delivers 343Nm of torque.

The performance all-wheel drive Brabus bangs out a face-peeling 423bhp and accelerates to 100kms in just 3.7 seconds.

There is a choice of either 47 or 62kWh battery packs with ranges of 415 to 455km (WLTP) and both are capable of either 22kWh (AC) or fast charging 150kW (DC) with charging times of 10p to 80pc in under three hours (AC) and under 30 minutes (DC).

Prices for the Smart #3 range start at €38,714 including grants.

Radical new plan to rent out home chargers

GoPlugable has teamed up with Cork-based EV charging company Ohme for its latest power-sharing scheme.

The innovative idea plans to enhance convenience for EV drivers who don’t have easy access to home-charging.

It basically means that owners of Ohme chargers can now become a GoPlugable host and earn money by sharing their home EV charger when it’s not in use.

Ohme’s range of smart chargers can connect seamlessly with all of Ireland’s electricity suppliers and automatically adjust an EV’s charging for drivers to take advantage of off-peak tariffs.

For instance, charging a 77kWh Volkswagen ID.3 from 0 to 100pc with an Ohme EV charger on an off-peak tariff, such as SSE Airtricity’s Night Boost, could cost just €7.34 for a range of more than 574km (WLTP). Over the course of a year and 10,000km, that would equate to running costs of under €130.