FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
Ford’s tiny yet powerful 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine has been voted best in class at the International Engine of the Year Awards for the fifth year in a row. Judges praised its combination of drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology that continues to set the standard.
The frugal three-cylinder EcoBoost engine was named “Best Engine Under 1.0-liter” by a panel of 65 automotive journalists from 31 countries, meaning that it has won in its class every year since its launch. This year it finished ahead of 32 competitor engines, 19 more than it competed against in 2012. Significantly, 2015 also saw an increase in competition from global automotive manufacturers of sub-1.0-liter, turbocharged engines with direct fuel injection.
In 2014, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost became the first engine to be named overall International Engine of the Year for a third time in a row. In 2012 it was also named “Best New Engine.”
“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost was a game-changer, and despite others following our lead, it remains the undisputed benchmark in its class five years on,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific. “It represents how we continue to innovate to bring our customers the mileage they need and the power they want in Asia Pacific with more EcoBoost engines across our growing product lineup.”
Available in 72 countries worldwide, the power-dense 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has challenged drivers’ perceptions of the capabilities of smaller engines: A road-legal Formula Ford race car fitted with a high-output version of the engine lapped Germany’s famous Nürburgring circuit in 7 minutes 22 seconds, putting it ahead of a host of supercars including the 600+ horsepower Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari Enzo and Pagani Zonda.
In Asia Pacific, the multiple-award-winning engine is available in several markets in the Fiesta, EcoSport and Focus.
Globally, Ford’s range of powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines includes 1.5-litre, 1.6‑litre, 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre four-cylinder engines, and 2.7-litre and 3.5-litre V6 engines. The last of these powers the all-new Ford GT supercar, which will return to racing in Le Mans later this month.
In response to growing consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles in Asia Pacific, EcoBoost engines are now available in more than 20 vehicles, a five-fold increase from 2012. Last year, one in four Ford vehicles purchased in Asia Pacific were equipped with EcoBoost engines.
“That it’s won the overall award three times and keeps getting the jurors’ votes now highlights just how special Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost is,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the 18th International Engine of the Year awards held in Stuttgart, Germany, and editor-in-chief of Engine Technology International magazine. “It’s a fantastic testament to how down-sizing and greater fuel efficiency needn’t mean sacrifice in other areas like power, refinement and drivability, and can even help enhance these elements.”
