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!

Comments

nandee

Best 3 cylinder? My Opel X18XE, it’s like “You thought I won’t have any problems, lol, cilinder one shut down”

08/26/2016 - 20:07 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

What about daihatsu charade gtti engine?993cc turbo and about 100hp??

08/26/2016 - 20:16 |
22 | 2
Anonymous

Ugly car, but great performance. Without Interior and good Tyres 7sec. from 0-60mph

08/26/2016 - 20:59 |
0 | 8
Anonymous

as you can see they actually miss the best one, a turbo 1.0 liter engine from 1987!!

08/26/2016 - 23:17 |
0 | 0
Martin 1

Love that car, it’s the first time I see people talking about it here, I’m glad!!

08/27/2016 - 13:57 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Incredible performance in the VW Up TSI

08/26/2016 - 20:20 |
30 | 6
6speedshortshift

Had one as a company car. Wasn’t impressed. Was going full throttle basically all the time.

08/26/2016 - 21:40 |
12 | 4
Anonymous

1.0 tfsi 116 hp. Performs well for a small engine

08/26/2016 - 20:24 |
0 | 0
Gidges

What about the Daihatsu Charade GTti?

08/26/2016 - 20:28 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Oh no! You forgot the Charade GTti! 993cc turbocharged 3. Cyl.
world’s first 1.0-litre road car to breach the 100bhp/litre barrier!

08/26/2016 - 20:55 |
2 | 2
CatHat

suzuki cappuchino?

08/26/2016 - 21:02 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

Triumph triple?

08/26/2016 - 21:24 |
2 | 0
Johan 1

YES YES YES

08/27/2016 - 09:29 |
0 | 0
Debayan Sinha

What’s wrong with the Nissan DIG-T R??
1.5 Litre, TurboCharged - 400bhp

08/26/2016 - 21:27 |
6 | 4

dude you have an engine on your turbo

08/26/2016 - 22:12 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

The 1.2 litre, turbocharged PureTech engines from PSA (Peugeot-Citroen). Up to 230 NM Torque and 130 HP.

08/26/2016 - 21:27 |
0 | 0

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