Third year of International Engine of Year awards for Prius

For the third year in succession, the 1.5-litre petrol engine of the Hybrid Synergy Drive® has won best 1.4-1.8-litre engine in the awards and has also been named ‘Best Fuel Economy’ for its application in the Toyota Prius. This means the Hybrid Synergy Drive® has won both categories every year since it was launched in the second generation Prius in 2004.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive® was a decisive winner in both categories and drew praise from the international jury for “a brilliant technical achievement”. Other judges also noted the success of the Hybrid Synergy Drive® in delivering “real world fuel economy”.

Mr Thierry Dombreval, Toyota Motor Marketing Europe’s Executive Vice President and COO, said: “Toyota is committed to the Hybrid Synergy Drive® system as the leading advanced powertrain for production cars today and we are delighted these renowned judges agree with us. Our hybrid system delivers real-world benefits in fuel economy and reduced emissions to benefit us all.”

In addition to the record-breaking third year of outright wins in these two categories, the Toyota Prius has also set another record with no fewer than 11 wins over its two generations:

Toyota Prius

2006 - Best Fuel Economy
Best 1.4-1.8-litre Engine
2005 - Best Fuel Economy
Best 1.4-1.8-litre Engine
2004 - International Engine of the Year 2004
Best New Engine
Best Fuel Economy
Best 1.4-1.8-litre Engine
2000 - Best Eco-Friendly
1999 - Best Eco-Friendly
Best 1.4-1.8-litre Engine


Since 1997, Toyota sold 613,300 hybrid vehicles around the world. In Europe, Prius sales have considerably increased, jumping from 8,136 units in 2004 to 18,886 in 2005 (+132%), and should reach 25,000 cars this year.

About the awards

The results of the International Engine of the Year Awards 2006 were decided by a panel of 61 automotive journalists from 29 countries.

The awards have been held since 1999 and reward the best engines available on the market. Every engine in mass-production installed in a production car on sale in more than one country is eligible. There are 12 categories to distinguish engines by size, fuel economy and performance.