The Greatest 3-Cylinder Engines Ever Made

They might have tiny capacities, and sure, they're more akin to bike engines, but there have been some truly epic 3-cylinder, production powertrains over the years that deserve recognition...
The Greatest 3-Cylinder Engines Ever Made

1. Honda E07A

Featured in the most epic of Kei Cars - the RWD Honda Beat - this 656cc was a 90s Japanese legend
Featured in the most epic of Kei Cars - the RWD Honda Beat - this 656cc…

2. Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost

Winning countless awards on release, this turbocharged Ford three-pot was perfect for the Fiesta. It produces up to 140hp and feels as powerful as a 1.6.
Winning countless awards on release, this turbocharged Ford three-pot was…

3. Alfa Romeo 33 1.8 D

The turbodiesel powertrain in this little slice of Italy was a perfect break from the unreliable boxer petrol alternative
The turbodiesel powertrain in this little slice of Italy was a perfect…

4. Daihatsu Copen KF I3

Another Kei car great, the Daihatsu Copen featured a revvy little 659cc triple that produced an impressive 86bhp!
Another Kei car great, the Daihatsu Copen featured a revvy little 659cc…

6. Honda ‎S07A‎

Featured most prominently in the Honda S660, the S07A was placed in the middle of the Japanese sports car. Had it been sold in Europe, it would have made for a great MX-5 alternative
Featured most prominently in the Honda S660, the S07A was placed in the…

7. Suzuki F6A

Despite being a Suzuki engine, the 657cc unit was most famous for its mid-engined placement in the Mazda AZ-1. It was good for 63hp at 6500rpm and 63lb/ft at 4000rpm.
Despite being a Suzuki engine, the 657cc unit was most famous for its mid…

Have we missed any other great production three-cylinder engines out from our list? Comment below if you have any suggestions!

Also, click here for our list of the greatest 6-cylinder engines of all time!

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Comments

Martin 1

No love for the daihatsu charade gtti?? 993cc turbo 105hp and under 900kg

08/27/2016 - 04:03 |
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Anonymous

G10t ????

08/27/2016 - 04:10 |
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Tuna

Suzuki Cappucino engine

08/27/2016 - 06:06 |
2 | 0
TheCopenGuy

Really, the KF-VET? It’s an economy-oriented engine, not a performance oriented.

08/27/2016 - 06:45 |
0 | 0
Kalandaari

Peugeot EB engines : 1.2 L, 3 cylinder turbo, 130hp, 230Nm.

08/27/2016 - 06:46 |
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Kristoffer

Just reminds me of this

08/27/2016 - 08:45 |
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Anonymous

The S-tec that was co-developed by suzuki and daewoo and found in the daewoo matiz is a great motor, 800cc 3 pot, I get around 60mpg in my matiz, not bad for a 16 year old car.

08/27/2016 - 09:46 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

I think there might be a mistake on the Hp figure for the Daihatsu? I believe the turbo 660cc engine produced a maximum of 67hp in its most powerful form, but the bigger non turbo 1.3 had the 86bhp as mentioned in the article!

08/27/2016 - 10:33 |
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Anonymous

subaru EF12, loved it! great sound from that 1.2 liter 3 pot. The multipoint injection and 3 valves per cylinder produced 80bhp.

08/27/2016 - 17:28 |
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Anonymous

Do the best V8s

08/27/2016 - 19:04 |
0 | 0