Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford unveils 1-litre engine with 123bhp

Ford has unveiled a new small capacity turbocharged petrol engine with exceptional CO2 and mpg figures

Ford Engine

The trend for downsizing continues with Ford unveiling its new 1-litre ‘EcoBoost’ petrol engine, set to become the company's CO2-cutting mid-range powerplant.

Despite its diminuitive capacity, the three-cylinder turbocharged motor generates either 98bhp or 123bhp and will be fitted to the lower reaches of the range, including the Focus, the C-Max and the forthcoming B-Max. Although unconfirmed, you can also expect to see it in the Fiesta and possibly even the unloved Ka.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Developed in the UK, and set to be built in Germany and Romania, Ford reckons it will be building up to 1.3 million of the engines each year. When fitted to a Ford Focus the 98bhp version will deliver ‘best in class’ emissions of just 109g/km on the standard economy test. The more powerful 123bhp version will emit just 114g/km.

Ultra-small petrol engines – with fewer than four cylinders – are going to become an increasing part of the European car market in coming years, especially as tighter emissions standards increase the cost of smaller diesel engines. Fiat has already introduced its 0.8-litre two-cylinder ‘TwinAir’ and other manufacturers are known to be working on similar technology to reduce CO2 emissions.

The interesting question will be seeing how close the relatively heavy Focus can get to its impressive-sounding economy numbers when being driven in the real world.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ford will fight Ferrari at Le Mans once again in 2027
Ford Le Mans 2027
News

Ford will fight Ferrari at Le Mans once again in 2027

Ford will enter an LMDh car at Le Mans in 2027 to fight Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, Aston Martin, Genesis and many more
31 Jan 2025
Best fast Fords of all time – from the GT supercar to the Fiesta ST
Best Fast Fords header
Best cars

Best fast Fords of all time – from the GT supercar to the Fiesta ST

Ford has produced some of our favourite driving machines over its extensive history, these are the best fast Fords from the ages
16 Sep 2024
Fast Ford heaven: a tour of the ultimate Ford garage
Ford Heritage Collection tour
Features

Fast Ford heaven: a tour of the ultimate Ford garage

Who doesn’t love a fast Ford? Prepare for a nostalgia overload as we get a guided tour of Ford UK’s magnificent, newly rehomed Heritage Collection
7 Jul 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon
Michelin GT3 RS tyre
Reviews

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon

Michelin has developed a wet and cold weather tyre for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and it’s brilliant
23 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car
Aston Martin Vantage V550 – front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage (1993 - 2000) review – Britain's 550bhp hand-built muscle car

One of Aston Martin's last true hand-built models, the ludicrous twin-supercharged Vantage was a muscle car crossed with a stately home
24 Apr 2025