Ford Focus 1.0-litre engine rolls out

The high-tech ultra-efficient, turbocharged direct injection 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine delivers performance Ford claims will rival a traditional 1.6-litre engine.

The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is available with two power levels in the five-door Focus in UK and European markets.

Around 200 Ford engineers successfully developed a powertrain which not only leads on fuel economy but also delivers refined and spirited driving performance.

Though the 1.0-litre EcoBoost cylinder block can fit onto a sheet of A4 paper it delivers up to 92kW and 170Nm peak torque (200Nm with overboost) between 1,400 and 4,500rpm, giving it the highest power density of any Ford production engine to date.

It is the third addition to Ford Europe's EcoBoost engine family. Joining the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines.

Ford says the 1.0 litre EcoBoost signals a new era of downsized, super frugal engines for the sub-97kW segment.

During development engineers focused on improving thermal efficiency and reducing friction of the engine's internal moving parts, especially during warm-up.

A Ford spokesman said "Gone are the days when the number of cylinders dictates performance. This highly efficient, technically advanced powertrain is not only great fun to drive, but it delivers fuel economy improvements and ultra-low CO2 emissions which lead to real world cost savings for our customers."

Australia will likely see the engine in 92kW form in Ford's B-Max sub compact SUV next year.