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BEST NEW ENGINES 2010

The internal combustion engine is a more frugal animal these days, offering lower emissions and better fuel economy than models of old. Meanwhile they offer similar if not better performance.

And such innovations are being fast-tracked by manufacturers due to increasingly demanding EU-legislation. Car makers are having to cut vehicle emissions drastically.

BEST NEW ENGINES 2010

The net result is the development of engines such as Fiat's 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo, scooping the Best New Engine Award at this year's International Engine of the Year Awards. The multi-air offers a tantalising glimpse of what the near future has in store for the internal combustion engine.

Out go camshafts in their current form and a more advanced version of variable valve timing (VVT) is introduced. Fiat's MultiAir uses a clever electronic solenoid valve system, controlling the lift and timing of individual valves depending on what you're asking of the engine.

This feature makes for some keen improvements with Fiat claiming power and torque increases (over an equivalent engine) of around 10%. CO2 is reduced by 15% fuel economy improved by 10%.

Fiat though isn't alone in innovating. Volkswagen previously won the International Engine of the Year two years running with its 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger. This compact unit combines a turbocharger and a supercharger, offering sporty and rewarding power without the expected fuel and emissions costs.

BMW's EfficientDynamics technology has also been winning plaudits with its 320d saloon. Broadcaster Tom Ford managed 1,013 miles in the car on a single tank of diesel, averaging nearly 70mpg and enjoying excellent performance.

Such combination figures were unheard of only a few years ago.

But whatever advancements are made with the internal combustion engine the future seems to lie with the hybrid.

You can also expect to see engine capacities drop and the physical dimensions of engines becoming ever smaller. Engines like Fiat's MuliAir will wring every last ounce of power from smaller capacities without performance or fuel economy taking a hit.

Fast forward a couple of decades and we may find ourselves bidding adieu to the internal combustion engine altogether. The biggest threat may come not from hybrids but hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars. But as this technology is very much in development, don't go ditching your petrol cans just yet.