First prize to the Prius

By DAVID LINKLATER


Toyota's Prius II hybrid petrol-electric powertrain is proving to be a groundbreaker in more ways than one. It is already at the cutting edge of technology, but it has also just been voted International Engine of the Year 2004 by an independent panel of experts, beating a huge array of conventional petrol and diesel motors - not to mention rival hybrids, and even a high-performance rotary.

The Toyota Hybrid System (THS) scored a record four trophies in the sixth annual International Engine of the Year Awards, including the main prize. It was also named Best New Engine, Best Fuel Economy Engine and Best 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre Engine.

The jury comprised 56 motoring journalists from 24 countries. This year, judges from China and Egypt were added to a mix that already includes America, Britain, Germany, Japan, Argentina, and South Korea. Canterbury motoring writer Brian Cowan represented New Zealand. Members of the judging panel represent globally recognised media, such as America's Car and Driver, Britain's Car and Australia's Wheels.

The awards are organised by British and International Press Automotive Magazines, Britain's largest group of technical car publications. They are intended to "highlight and acknowledge engineering excellence", says the company, which receives no advertising or financial support from any carmaker or distributor.

Judges apply their impressions from driving new cars to help them to find the powerplants that offer the best driveability, performance, economy and refinement, and identify the most successful application of advanced engine technology.

In each of 11 different categories, the panelists analyse shortlisted engines using subjective driving impressions and technical knowledge, and take into account characteristics such as fuel economy, noise, smoothness, performance, and driveability. The jurors each have 25 points to spend on their five favourite engines in each class. A maximum of 15 points can be allocated to one engine, while the minimum reward is one mark.

The winners of eight engine capacity classes were shortlisted for the International Engine of the Year 2004 award. The judges labelled the Toyota Prius Hybrid "a truly remarkable engine" and said it "raises the hybrid bar with a combination of better driveability, more technology, and more eco-friendliness".

It claimed the top honour with 380 points, the highest score achieved in the history of the awards. It was the first choice of 51 of the 56 judges, and its trophy haul also represents the best performance by any powerplant in a single year.

The results were a triumph for Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive philosophy, which is based on achieving the best possible balance between environmental performance and driving pleasure.

Accepting the awards, Dr Takehisa Yaegashi, senior general manager of Toyota Motor Corporation's Powertrain Development Group, said: "These important awards are yet another recognition of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

"They are a huge encouragement for us to proceed with the development of even more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly powertrains."

Toyota's main rival in hybrid powertrain development, Honda, also impressed the judges. They named the Insight two-seater Best Sub-1.0-litre Engine and the Civic Hybrid Best 1.0-1.4 litre Engine.

That's not to say that the panel went completely green. Another Honda unit, the high-revving S2000 petrol four, claimed Best 1.8-2.0 Engine. BMW's 2.5-litre straight six (325i, X3, 525i, Z4) won its capacity category, while Mazda's lusty RX-8 Renesis rotary was named Best 2.5-3.0 litre Engine.

BMW emerged victorious again in the 3.0-4.0 litre category thanks to the M3's 3.2-litre powerplant, while the super-torquey Volkswagen V10 turbo diesel (Touareg, Phaeton) took the Above 4.0-litre prize.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-AMG's 65 twin-turbo V12 (SL65, CL65) was awarded Best Performance Engine, beating the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

Only the capacity categories counted towards the International Engine of the Year award. The New, Fuel Economy and Performance classes were excluded to avoid duplication.

Previous winners of the overall prize include the Mazda Renesis rotary (2003), BMW 4.4-litre Valvetronic V8 (2002), BMW M3 3.2-litre (2001), Honda 1.0-litre hybrid (2000) and Toyota Yaris 1.0-litre (1999).

Toyota may have scored a record number of prizes this year, but BMW remains the most successful maker in the awards' six-year history with a total of 20 trophies. Honda, the world's most prolific engine builder, has won 19.