Today MINI USA announced their three cylinder engine, used in the MINI Cooper Hardtop, has won a Ward’s Auto World 10 Best Engines Award.
The 1.5L with MINI’s Twin-power Turbo technology, is smaller yet more powerful than the 4 cylinder it replaces.
According to Pat McKenna, Department Head, Product Planning & Events, MINI USA, the 3 cylinder delivers an “increase in torque by 42%, reducing 0-60 acceleration time by 2.3 seconds and improving fuel efficiency by as much as 8% vs. the previous generation 4 cylinder.”
Pat McKenna then added, “The BMW Group engineers did a masterful job with the performance and efficiency but, more importantly, with the surprisingly deep resonant sound this engine makes.”
The winners of Ward’s 10 best Engines awards are determined by individual test drives conducted by the editorial staff of the publication.
During their commutes in and around Detroit, the staff determines a score for each engine based on power, technology, observed fuel economy and noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.
“While being loads of fun to drive, MINI’s 1.5L 3-cylinder engine enabled every WardsAuto editor to achieve at least 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km),” said Tom Murphy Executive Editor of WardsAuto World digital magazine.
Another editor said he “couldn’t imagine buying a MINI with any other engine. There was a time when people bought underpowered 3-cylinder engines out of economic necessity. MINI turns that legacy on its ear by demonstrating a base engine can totally sell a vehicle. With a starting price just under $21,000, the MINI Cooper Hardtop with the 3-cylinder engine is the smart choice.”
The Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition recognizes the newest powertrain technologies which are affordable to most consumers, will provide ample horsepower and torque, are very efficient, make an appealing sound and function well in their respective vehicles.
