Skip to main content

Ford’s tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost 3-banger named ‘International Engine of the Year’ – for second year in a row

Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost

For 15 years in a row now, a group of judges come together and name the best engines in the world. For the second time in a row, the Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine (above) takes the cake.

Though we’ve not yet driven it, we figure the peppy little engine is pretty good. After all, in Europe it’s offered in nearly ever Ford product, including Fiesta, B-MAX, Focus, C MAX, Grand C MAX, Transit Connect, Transit Courier, Tourneo Connect, Tourneo Courier, Mondeo, and EcoSport.

Ford has announced it will be upping the production of the engine in its Cologne, Germany production plant. Coming to North America later this year, the three-cylinder will be offered in the Fiesta.

Prizes are also awarded to the best Green Engine and the best Performance Engine. The General Motors 1.4-liter range extender (Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera) took home the Green prize while the Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia) won for Performance.

Amusingly, Fiat put out a press release saying it had won Green Engine of the year for its methane-powered TwinAir Turbo but quickly retracted the statement, as it hadn’t actually won. Maybe next year.

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more
Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. The Ioniq 5 N is a serious track car
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N drifting.

We’re finally getting to the fun part of automakers’ methodical quest to replicate their lineups with electric cars.

Performance versions of ordinary cars have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But while we’ve already seen some variants of EVs boasting more power and more impressive stats — think Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire — the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply that format to an EV.

Read more