Small is powerful: EcoBoost powers new EcoSport

Given today’s driving conditions—traffic congestion, limited parking spaces, and steadily increasing fuel prices—it’s no stretch to say that many drivers would say “small is beautiful.”

With carmakers squeezing bigger cabin space into a small footprint, and with more premium features, small vehicles can now be legitimate objects of desire.

Downsizing also applies to the heart of the car, the internal combustion engine. Before possibly disappearing completely in the near future in favor of alternative propulsion methods like electric motors and hydrogen fuel cells, engines will shrink in size, but still provide adequate motoring power.

One of the smallest engines that will debut this year is the 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost inline-three cylinder, and will power the new Ford EcoSport set to be launched soon.

Ford promises a 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency versus larger displacement engines, while still delivering ample power and torque.

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost is a turbocharged gasoline engine that incorporates direct fuel injection and variable camshaft timing.

Direct fuel injection allows precise delivery of fuel to improve both efficiency and power delivery. Variable camshaft timing increases torque and also squeezes more mileage. Of course, turbocharging improves power delivery and torque.

You can expect the 1.0-liter EcoBoost to deliver power and torque comparable to a traditional 1.6-liter gasoline engine: 125 ps and 170 Nm. The torque curve is flatter, with maximum power coming on at just 1400 rpm and up to 4500 rpm.

Where the EcoBoost will be better than the non-turbo engine is in fuel efficiency. Ford promises 20 percent fuel efficiency improvement. Carbon dioxide emissions are 15 percent lower, too, making it more environmentally friendly.

Pop open the hood of the EcoSport and you may be surprised at the diminutive size of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost. Its footprint fits within an A4 sheet of paper, and it’s even small enough to stuff in the overhead luggage bin of a commercial passenger plane.

The EcoBoost has been named as 2017 International Engine of the Year in the Best Engine under 1.0-liter for the sixth year in a row. It has won 10 International Engine of the Year awards, including overall winner three times, and as Best Newcomer.

“The EcoBoost is definitely a game-changer in the global automotive industry, setting the benchmark for compact yet powerful and fuel-efficient engines. We look forward to pushing the boundaries of powertrain engineering even further, and seeing more of our vehicles running on this innovative engine technology,” shared Bert Lessard, Ford Philippines managing director.