MINI has once again captured the engine of the year award in the top award in the 1.4-1.8 liter capacity category. This is the forth victory in a row for the engine and the last with it’s current design. The updated version (with variable valve control) will compete next year. Here’s the full BMW release [...] More...
If you want to bypass the BMW spin here's the source.... International Engine of the Year Awards 2010 Matt
Another thing to keep in mind.. is that these awards are not from owners, but rather journalists who get a taste of the engines, but very few who deal with long term ownership issues. So the cold start clatter issue doesn't come into play for this engine, nor do cooling issues with some of the other engines that do well.... But it is what it is, a recognition of the innovation of the technology that these particular engines promise... Matt