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In a competition dominated by downsizing, Volkswagen’s new 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine has won the ‘International Engine of the Year’ award – for the second year in succession.
The engine, which won the overall Awards’ title for the first time last year, produces almost 180 bhp despite its small capacity, thanks to the use of both a turbocharger and a supercharger. The engine features in the Golf, Scirocco, Eos and Tiguan ranges, and is also found in the Seat Ibiza Cupra.
Of the 66 new engines to come to market over the past year, it was Fiat’s 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine that impressed the judging panel the most, the unit being named New Engine of the Year 2010. This innovative Italian powerplant, which uses an extremely advanced valvetrain to boost performance and yet save fuel, is currently used in the Alfa Romeo Mito and Giulietta ranges.
Further downsized engines also tasted Awards success, with Toyota’s 1.8-litre electric-motor-boosted hybrid unit won the Green Engine of the Year award. The engine powers the Prius and the new Auris . Toyota’s 999cc, three-cylinder engine once again taking class honours in the sub-1-litre sector.
BMW scooped four awards: one for the best 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre class with the Mini Cooper S 1.6-litre turbocharged engine; one for producing the best 1.8-litre to 2-litre engine with its 2-litre diesel Twin-Turbo unit; another for its 3-litre DI Twin-Turbo engine; and finally its 4-litre V8 M engine secured the award for best 3-litre to 4-litre engine.
Meanwhile Audi’s 2.5-litre turbocharged engine that powers the TT RS won the 2-2.5-litre category.
The 12th annual International Engine of the Year Awards ceremony, judged by 72 motoring journalists from 35 countries from four continents, took place at Engine Expo 2010 in Stuttgart, Germany, on the 23 June.
