Unveiled earlier this month, the new-generation Ford Focus introduced a brand-new platform from the company, as well as a number of new or updated engines. Set to arrive in the United States sometime next year, the Focus could also bring Ford's brand-new, 1.5-liter, three-cylinder EcoBoost unit to North America.

That's the word from the company vice president of powertrain engineering, David Filipe, who said that the small mill will definitely make it to the U.S. Although he didn't mention the car that will use it, the Focus seems to be the logical option here since it's already offered with this unit in Europe.

The three-cylinder EcoBoost replaces the previous 1.5-liter four-cylinder, and it's available in two power stages in Europe. The base version cranks out 140 horsepower, while the more powerful option delivers a solid 180 horses. It may be small, but this three-banger will send plenty of oomph to the wheels. Transmission choices for the tiny EcoBoost include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. It's safe to say that the U.S. version will probably generate 180 horsepower and use the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Not only powerful, the three-cylinder EcoBoost is efficient too, as it can run on only two cylinders. Under reduced speeds and load, the engine disables one cylinder, thus saving fuel due to the reduced internal friction. An interesting fact about this engine is that it will be the first to run on only two cylinders on the U.S. market in more than 110 years. The last Ford to use a two-cylinder engine was the Model F, which was last produced in 1906. A predecessor to the iconic Model T, the Model F used a 2.1-liter flat-two rated at 12 horsepower.

References

Read our full review on the 2019 Ford Focus.

Read more Ford news.