Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has won the "International Engine of the Year" award for the second consecutive year. Not only that, the turbocharged, direct-injection three-cylinder engine achieved the highest score in the 15 year history of the awards.

"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," said Joe Bakaj, Ford Vice President, Global Powertrain. "You have to drive it to believe a small three-cylinder engine can deliver such performance and fuel economy."

A panel of 87 automotive journalists from 35 countries around the world judged the awardees based on drivability, performance, economy, refinement and the successful application of advanced engine technology. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is currently offered in cars such as Fiesta, B-MAX and the Focus. In the near future, it will also power larger cars including the new Ford Mondeo.

The rest of the award winners are as follows:

New Engine

Ford three-cylinder turbo (Focus)

Green Engine

General Motors 1.4-litre range extender (Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera)

Performance Engine

Ferrari 4.5-litre V8 (458 Italia)

Sub 1.0-litre

Ford three-cylinder turbo (Focus)

1.0-litre to 1.4-litre

Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger

1.4-litre to 1.8-litre

BMW-PSA 1.6-litre turbo gasoline

1.8-litre to 2.0-litre

BMW 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder gasoline

2.0-litre to 2.5-litre

Audi 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo (TT RS, RS3 Sportback)

2.5-litre to 3.0-litre

BMW 3.0-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder (1 Series M Coupe, 335is, Z4 35is)

3.0-litre to 4.0-litre

BMW M 4.0-litre V8 (BMW M3)

Above 4.0-litre

Ferrari 4.5-litre V8 (458 Italia)