The American publishing company has rated the world’s top 10 engines as available in North America for the last 16 years.
Only one V8 and one V6 made the list which is dominated by forced induction engines.
The turbocharged boxer motor used in the Impreza WRX and Legacy GT has 195 kWs and produces 350 Nm of torque.
“This year’s list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance,” said Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter. “Auto makers are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency.”
The Ward’s 10 Best Engines list is decided by six editors from Ward’s Automotive Group who tested 34 vehicles from 13 automakers. The engines are rated on horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance and comparative data. Engines nominated had to be either all-new, significantly updated or be a previous winner. They also must come in a vehicle that will go on sale in or before the first quarter of 2010 and be valued at no more than $US 54,000.
This year’s winners and the applications tested:
•2.5L Turbocharged DOHC H-4 (Subaru Legacy 2.5GT)
•2.0L TFSI Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A4)
•3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4)
•3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbo diesel (BMW 335d)
•2.5L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Ford Fusion Hybrid)
•3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Ford Taurus SHO)
•2.4L Ecotec DOHC I-4 (Chevrolet Equinox)
•4.6L Tau DOHC V-8 (Hyundai Genesis)
•1.8L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Toyota Prius)
•2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbo diesel (Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI)