CLASS LEADER - Ford Ecoboost 1.0T
Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine enhanced with industry-first cylinder deactivation adds 2019 Sub-110kw category win to list of 11 International Engine and Powertrain of the Year awards
Ford's powerful, fuel-efficient and versatile 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has today been named 2019 International Engine and Powertrain of the Year (IEPOTY) in the Sub-110kw category - the 11th IEPOTY award earned by the engine since its launch in 2012.
Delivering up to 103kw power for a responsive and rewarding driving experience, the compact, low-friction engine powered more than 1 in 4 Ford models sold in 2018 - more than 410,000 vehicles - from the Fiesta hatchback family car to the Transit Connect van.
Ford recently enhanced the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offered for the Ford Focus and Transit Connect to deliver even greater fuel efficiency with technologies including an industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine.
Significant enhancements to the cylinder head, fuel injection and emission-control systems also complement the core EcoBoost turbocharging, high-pressure direct fuel injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing technologies. The enhanced engine will be introduced to further models this year.
An IEPOTY panel of 70 judges from 31 countries awarded Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost a total of 145 points to win the Sub-110kw category by 26 points, ahead of powertrains from BMW, PSA Group, Toyota/Lexus, and Volkswagen.
Following its introduction, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost kick-started an industry trend for small capacity, high output, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engines. Ford earlier this year announced that the highly acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will provide the basis for the powerful and responsive mild-hybrid powertrains in the new Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models - further enhancing fuel efficiency while complementing Ford's fun to drive experience.
For these sophisticated electrified powertrains, a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) replaces the standard alternator, enabling recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt battery pack.
The BISG also acts as a motor, seamlessly integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance - reducing the amount of work required from the petrol engine to maximise fuel savings. In addition, the BISG helps deliver punchier performance, particularly at lower engine speeds, for a more flexible and connected driving experience. By mitigating turbo-lag, the BISG has enabled Ford engineers to boost the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine's power to up to 114kw using a larger turbocharger.
The full list of Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost IEPOTY awards is:
Overall winner: 2012, 2013 and 2014
Best new engine: 2012
Best engine under 1.0-litre: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017
Sub-110kw category winner: 2019
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford EcoBoost 1.0T cost in South Africa?
The Ford EcoBoost 1.0T engine powers various Ford models in South Africa with prices starting from around R285,000 for the Fiesta and going up to R420,000 for higher-spec Focus models, depending on the specific variant and trim level you choose.
Q: Is the Ford EcoBoost 1.0T engine reliable?
The Ford EcoBoost 1.0T has proven its reliability with over 410,000 units sold globally in 2018 alone, plus it has won 11 International Engine and Powertrain of the Year awards since 2012, making it one of the most awarded small engines in the world.
Q: How much power does the Ford EcoBoost 1.0T produce?
The Ford EcoBoost 1.0T delivers up to 103kW of power despite its tiny 1.0-litre capacity, thanks to turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable cam timing technologies that punch well above the engine's weight.
Q: Which Ford models in South Africa have the EcoBoost 1.0T engine?
You can get the Ford EcoBoost 1.0T engine in the Ford Fiesta range, Ford Focus models and some commercial vehicles like the Transit Connect, giving you plenty of options from city runabouts to family cars.
Q: Is the Ford EcoBoost 1.0T fuel efficient?
Yes, the Ford EcoBoost 1.0T is designed specifically for fuel efficiency with cylinder deactivation technology and optimised combustion, delivering excellent fuel consumption figures that will keep your wallet happy at South African petrol prices.
Should You Buy It?
Absolutely yes, the Ford EcoBoost 1.0T is the best small turbocharged engine under R450,000 in South Africa right now. With 11 international awards backing its credentials, 103kW of punchy power and fuel efficiency that actually works in real-world driving, this little engine is a proper gem. Whether you go for a Fiesta at R285,000 or step up to a Focus around R380,000, you are getting world-class engineering that has kick-started an entire industry trend. The fact that Ford powers more than 1 in 4 of their global sales with this engine tells you everything about its quality and reliability. For South African conditions, this turbocharged three-cylinder delivers the perfect balance of performance and economy.
