Škoda Auto has started producing a modernised 1.2 HTP engine in its engine manufacturing plant in Mladá Boleslav, the place of the car manufacturer's head office. Extensive adaptations made to this economical three-cylinder petrol unit have been devised by the Department of Technological Development.

The engine modernisation includes a number of measures – perhaps the most important one is in that the old link chain driving the valve timing mechanism has been replaced by a cogged one. Furthermore, the weight of the crankshaft has been reduced. The adaptations have been made to both existing engine versions, i.e., two-valve and four-valve units.

"The adaptations made to the existing unit, including the optimisation of its weight, will smoothen its operation and reduce fuel consumption, emission and noise levels," said Eckhard Scholz, Škoda Auto BOD member responsible for technological development.

The modernised three-cylinder 1.2l engine is going to be used in a number of VW Group vehicles, including the Škoda Fabia, Škoda Roomster, VW Polo, VW Fox, Seat Ibiza and Seat Cordoba. The Škoda plant in Mladá Boleslav produced altogether 270,875 three-cylinder 1.2l atmospheric engines in 2008.

Skoda Auto modernised 1.2 HTP engine