The BMW designed and built B38 3-cylinder 1.5-liter engine has just won a Ward’s 10 Best Engines award from WardsAuto World. The ceremony of handing the trophy over will take place on January 14th, at a ceremony during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
“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.
“One 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.”
Of course, that engine is also available on other cars like the new BMW 2-Series Active Tourer and the recently-announced BMW 218i Coupe. As for the award, it is one of the most prestigious in the business, being handed over for 21 years now, recognizing the latest powertrain technologies that are affordable to most consumers. Of course, other characteristics have to be kept in mind as well, such as delivering ample horsepower and torque, efficiency, sound appeal and the way they work with their respective cars.
