FORD 1.0-LITRE ECOBOOST IS BEST ENGINE IN THE WORLD

Ford has scooped the most coveted engine award in the world by winning the 2012 International Engine of the Year Award for its 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol turbo motor. The little 3-cylinder pusher kicks out 73kW and 92kW - which is close to the early 2000s Ford Focus 2.0-litre power, depending on configuration. It’s also rated at 109g/km and 114g/km in C02s respectively when used by the Focus.

These awards have been going on for the past 13 years and this is the first time that Ford has taken the top honour.

“We set the bar incredibly high when we set out to design this engine,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president, Global Powertrain. “We wanted to deliver eye-popping fuel economy, surprising performance, quietness and refinement – and all from a very small, 3-cylinder engine.”

The International Engine of the Year is determined by a panel of 76 automotive journalists from 35 countries around the world. Judges consider drivability, performance, economy, refinement and the successful application of advanced engine technology. The popularity of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost with judges saw it receive 28% more points than its closest rival – the Volkswagen 1.4 TSI - and the highest points total of any engine in the competition’s history (401 points).

Ford South Africa will start selling cars fitted with this award-winner from 2013. We don’t quite know which models will be first to benefit yet, but in Europe, the Focus was the first one out with it.