Vauxhall's new 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol engine is set to debut in the Adam at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

The Adam is the first car in the Vauxhall range to receive the new, all-aluminium 1.0 Ecotec direct injection turbo petrol engine that has been developed at Vauxhall/Opel's International Technical Development Centre.

It will come in two power outputs, producing 90hp and 115hp. Both deliver strong, low-end torque of 122lb-ft from 1,800 rpm.

Vauxhall claims the new 1.0 Ecotec offers benchmark refinement with outstandingly low noise, vibration and harshness.

With start/stop functionality as standard, the 90hp version gives the Adam combined cycle fuel consumption of 62mpg, with CO2 emissions of 99g/km, according to preliminary data. Efficiency enablers include direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, weight-saving all-aluminium construction and a switchable water pump.

"We not only set out to minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, we also wanted to demonstrate that three cylinders can be just as refined as four or more," says Dr Matthias Alt, Vauxhall/Opel's chief engineer, small gasoline engines. "We tackled at source the balance, noise and vibration issues typical of conventional three-cylinder engines, and we're confident Adam customers will be enthusiastic about the results."

The engine is mated to a new generation six-speed manual transmission. With a compact design and a dry weight of 37kg, it is about 30% lighter than units it replaces.