A few years ago, Ford seemed stuck in a rut. The Blue Oval has reversed its fortunes, not only here in America, but also worldwide. With bold new products and awesome new technologies, Ford has carved out a reputation in post-recession America as a leader in quality. One of the cornerstones of this success is the EcoBoost line of turbocharged engines.

For the second consecutive year, an EcoBoost engine has won The International Engine of the Year award. Repeating that win, that engine is the 1.0 liter, three-cylinder EcoBoost found in Europe, but soon coming to the U.S.

Since most of America doesn’t even know this engine exists yet, it is hard for us to say what makes it so special. Is it its compact size? It’s fuel economy? Or the potent power packed inside the tiny package? With up to 123 horsepower, there are certainly larger, less-powerful mills out there.

With fuel economy in the 40 to 50 mpg range (depending on which country’s rating system you use), the 1.0 liter EcoBoost is quite frugal as well. Ultimately, this engine is a lesson in doing more with less thanks to some clever uses of 21st-century technology. With turbocharging, direct injection, and an all-aluminum construction, this tiny little engine could mean bigger and better advances in engine technology for decades to come.