Ford's ultra-fuel efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine was recently named 2013 International Engine of the Year with NGK Spark Plugs one of the contributors to this success.

Designed and engineered in the UK, the three-cylinder engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to lower fuel consumption without sacrificing power. It received the highest score in the history of the awards presented by Engine Technology International magazine and also won the ‘Best Engine Under 1.0-litre’ category.

Tim Ward, Deputy General Manager, Sales & Marketing, NGK Spark Plugs said, “We are delighted that Ford’s EcoBoost engine has once again won such an important industry accolade. It was a major achievement for NGK when our spark plugs were selected as original equipment on this ground-breaking Ford engine.” He added, “It emphasises how as a company we work closely with the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers to produce ever better, more environmentally-friendly vehicles.”

Joe Bakaj, Ford Vice President, Global Powertrain, said: “With a technology as mature as the internal combustion engine, it's very rare to achieve a true breakthrough, but that is exactly what the team accomplished with this engine. You have to drive it to believe a small three-cylinder engine can deliver such performance and fuel economy."

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is currently offered in Ford small and medium cars. It boasts up to 125PS while returning 65.7mpg combined. The engine is also available in the Ford B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. 

In the near future it will power larger cars including the new Ford Mondeo and will also be offered in Transit Connect and Transit Courier commercial vehicles and Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Courier people movers.

Further details of NGK Spark Plugs visit www.ngkntk.co.uk