Ford has confirmed the first production applications for its smallest-ever EcoBoost engine at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. With only 3 cylinders and 1.0 litre of displacement, the new EcoBoost engine will provide fuel-efficient power for three models in the European product range – first the Focus, followed by C-MAX and the all-new Ford B-MAX.

The new 1.0-litre engine is the latest addition to Ford’s global family of EcoBoost engines, which currently range in capacity from 1.6 to 3.5 litres globally. Downsized EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging, direct injection and other technologies and replace larger engines with no loss of performance and with lower consumption.

Ford will introduce two versions of the 1.0-litre engine in the Focus in Europe in early 2012 with 100PS and 120PS and 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions respectively. Ultimately, this all-new engine will be made available in Ford models in North America, China and in other regions.

“By offering the Focus with an advanced small-displacement petrol engine Ford is not only making a major statement on how serious we are about engine downsizing – it also shows the strength of our development and engineering capabilities. To produce a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with such impressive performance and fuel economy is a clear example of our commitment to be class-leading in fuel economy,” said Graham Hoare, executive director, Powertrain, Ford of Europe.

With its 1.0-litre capacity, the 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine will be the smallest engine currently produced by Ford. Yet, despite its small capacity and proportions, the forward-thinking design delivers power and performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine while emitting less than 120g/km CO2 in the Focus.