Superchips has come up with yet another electronic tuning solution – or chip tuning if you will – this time for Ford’s new 1.0-litre direct injection, turbocharged ‘Ecoboost’ engine. This unit is expected to become hugely popular, so it was a wise move by the UK firm to announce a ‘Plug-in and go’ kit that instantly adds 16 bhp and 36 Nm of torque to its output.

That might not sound like a lot, but considering you get that extra power simply by changing the engine’s ECU parameters, and that it has no negative effect on its 56 mpg fuel economy, it makes a lot of sense. The added go juice will make the three-cylinder engine rev more smoothly and provides more pull power for when you want to overtake.

It also enhances throttle response. From behind the wheel this means that fewer gearchanges are needed to make swift progress, while fast driving, load carrying and overtaking all become easier.

Not only this method is very efficient, effective and quick, at £455 it is also one of the most affordable ways to tune your engine.