When you imagine an engine that makes headlines at a major auto show, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a high-horsepower monster in a concept car. But completely different engine hit the 2013 L.A. Auto Show, which opened to the public on November 30, 2012. Ford is showcasing an engine that will turn heads for different reasons: Its compact power and incredible fuel economy.

That engine is the 1.0-liter EcoBoost®, which will be arriving in the U.S. next year in the 2014 Ford Fiesta after a successful introduction in Europe earlier this year. When it hits the market stateside, it is expected to deliver the best EPA-estimated fuel economy of any non-hybrid car sold in the U.S. And that is just one reason that it stands out from the crowd.

Another reason is its small displacement. It will be the smallest engine available in a passenger car in the U.S. from any automaker when it debuts. But it won’t be short on power, torque or refinement. The engine is projected to produce 123 horsepower with peak torque of 148 lb.-ft. of and be one of the most refined in its class.

Also unique is the fact that it is a three cylinder engine, the first in the 109-year history if Ford.

Taken together, all of this means that the 1.0-liter is a quiet, smooth-running engine that develops roughly the same output as a 1.6-liter four-cylinder. But with about 25 percent fewer moving parts, the 1.0-liter is able to deliver higher fuel economy and lower emissions.

“Customers are going to be pleasantly surprised at what the smallest member of the EcoBoost engine family can do,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Most customers are not going to be thinking about the number of cylinders under the hood when they drive the new 1.0-liter EcoBoost Fiesta. They’ll notice an extremely smooth and quiet idle, terrific acceleration accompanied by a sporty sound at high revs, and – most importantly – outstanding fuel economy.”