The new Facelifted Mazda Tribute is set to go on sale in Australia next month starting at around $32,000. The new Tribute includes more safety features, mechanical upgrades, and offcourse in true modern car fashion, a basic facelift to give you a reason to buy a new tribute even though the shape has been around for a few years. New model features worth noting are the improved Fuel Efficiency 10.9L/100km for city and highway combined, the MP3 compatible stereo, the introduction of Electronic Brake Distribution and 16" alloys.
the window designs of the Mazda Tribute which allows them to rattle profusiously when they are in a down position. Before parting with your Hard Earned Dollars, if a quiet Cabin ambience is important to you you won’t get it with a Tribute if you like fresh air and Mazda don’t have a fix for this problem and no doubt others that I am yet to discover. The newly released upgrade has failed to address the shortcomings in the original design flaws and charecterisitics... Read More
Official Press Release below:
New Mazda Tribute
Boasting a fresh look, class-leading value and a host of safety and mechanical upgrades Mazda’s new Tribute goes on sale next month priced from just $31,990. The new-look Tribute range comprises a 2.3-litre four-cylinder model, a 3.0-litre V6 and a V6 with Luxury Pack. The 2.3-litre model adds a host of new equipment such as automatic climate control air conditioning, an exterior temperature display and an MP3 compatible stereo system.
Other standard features include four airbags, ABS brakes with EBD and Emergency Brake Assist, front fog lamps, remote central locking and 16 inch alloy wheels. The additional equipment and new pricing improves the new 2.3-litre Tribute’s value by more than $2500 over the $34,090 superseded model. The new V6 grade, which is priced from $36,900, offers $1700 more equipment over the superseded $36,290 Limited Sport V6.
Standard features over those found in the four-cylinder model include cruise control and wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches, high glass painted body side-cladding, wheel arch mouldings and 235 wide tyres on 10-spoke alloy wheels. The $40,710 Luxury Pack V6 packs more than $3000 in additional value compared with the previous $43,400 Tribute Luxury model. Luxury Pack models come with leather trim, a sunroof and a six-stack CD.
New Tribute is instantly recognisable with the SUV wagon’s front end completely reworked for a sleeker, more sophisticated appearance. With redesigned front sheet metal, the new Tribute blends the original vehicle’s rugged, athletic appeal with a more refined “face”.
A mesh grille, incorporating a larger Mazda logo, new clear-finish headlamps and reprofiled front bumper with integrated bumper guard, help blend the Tribute’s more sophisticated look with traditional SUV cues. The bonnet is a fresh pressing and features sharper, cleaner cut lines that flow into, and blend with, the new grille and headlamps. Tighter panel gaps and new-wheels also add to the Tribute’s higher quality look.
Inside, the changes are just as bold with the previous column shifter replaced by a floor-mounted gear lever. The centre dash has been completely redesigned to be more functional and aesthetically pleasing, while new-look instruments, door trims and seat fabrics add a more integrated and upmarket ambience. The cabin is quieter, with redesigned mirrors, which incorporate turn repeater lamps reducing wind noise.
Mechanical changes to the SUV wagon’s 152 kilowatt 3.0-litre V6’s drivetrain have improved average fuel economy by a significant 10.6 per cent. The upgrades have cut the V6-powered Tribute’s average fuel consumption from 12.2L/100km to 10.9L/100km on the ADR 81/01 test cycle. Six cylinder models benefit from a more efficient torque converter and revised automatic transmission shift points.
The 2.3-litre four-cylinder powered model adopts sequential valve timing and an electronic throttle and offers better low and mid-speed torque delivery and smoother acceleration feel. Both engines pass clean Euro III emission regulations.
Tribute’s safety equipment, which continues to include standard ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD and dual front and front side airbags, has been upgraded with the centre rear seat passenger now protected by a lap/sash seatbelt and headrest, while the braking system now includes Emergency Brake Assist on all models. Braking has also been improved with the superseded model’s disc/drum system replaced by an all-disc setup incorporating bigger diameter front brakes. The suspension has been retuned.
“Tribute has played a crucial role in the climb of Mazda to the number one import position with more than 30,000 sold in Australia since launch,” said Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson. “This updated range will continue its sales success and the new range answers the few criticisms current owners have of the Tribute. With the arrival of the crossover CX-7 at year’s end Mazda will for the first time in its history have two models competing in the popular SUV market”.
Mazda Australia expects to sell about 250 Tributes a month with the V6 taking 60 per cent of sales, Luxury Pack V6 about 30 per cent, while the four-cylinder is expected to account for 10 per cent of sales. The Mazda Tribute is protected by a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
What’s New
Tribute range, which is priced from $31,990, now comprises three models
2.3-litre model offers more than $2500 in additional value and includes new features such as climate control air conditioning, exterior temperature display an an MP3 compatible stereo system
The V6 offers $1700 more equipment than the superseded Limited Sport
The V6 Luxury Pack offers $3000 more value than previous Luxury model
All Tributes feature a new-look front end
All Tributes feature a redesigned interior complete with a floor-mounted automatic transmission lever
New side mirrors with turn lamps help reduce wind noise
The 152kW V6 engine uses 10.6 per cent less fuel than before
The 2.3-litre engine, which adopts S-VT and an electronic throttle, offers better low to mid-range acceleration
Both engines meet Euro III emission standards
All Tributes feature disc brakes all round
Revised damper settings have improved the ride
Centre rear occupants now get a lap/sash seatbelt and centre headrest
Six new colors are offered
Both four cylinder and V6 models feature new-look alloy wheels
Styling
The Mazda Tribute’s rugged, traditional SUV queues have been improved and updated by blending a more sophisticated, higher quality look incorporating a new-look front face and wheel design.
The bonnet is new and features cleaner, sharper character lines that blend with the changes made to the headlights and new mesh design front grille. The grille features a larger Mazda emblem. Larger lenses and a characteristic new reflector design combine to give a brighter finish and help give the new headlamps a sportier and more stylish look.
A new bumper, complete with raised “bumper guard” centre section completes the front end redesign. Tighter gaps between the new grille, bumper and headlamps further emphasise the higher-quality look of the new Tribute range. Other exterior changes include LED turn signals incorporated into the redesigned door mirrors, which also cut wind noise. All versions feature new paint colors and alloy wheel designs. Four-cylinder models get beefy five-spoke wheels and 215/70 R16 tyres, while V6-powered models boast a 10-spoke alloy wheel design and 235/70 R16 tyres.
New Tribute is offered in six fresh exterior colors that include Hot Red, Lava Stone and Copper. Four-cylinder models get Storm Grey body cladding, while cladding on V6 and V6 Luxury Pack models is painted Mineral Grey or Medium Platinum dependent on upper body colour.
Interior
The Tribute’s interior has received a significant upgrade with a new-look centre dash, instrument panel and door trims among the many changes. The redesigned centre dash area now features piano black and alloy-look finishes and is dominated by a larger, now MP3 compatible audio, which sits above the standard automatic climate control unit. Larger graphics and orange back lighting ensure that the dash is easier to read. Ahead of the driver are new-look instruments complete with silver-colored meter rings, while the orange back lighting improves clarity.
Moving the shift lever from the column to the floor console further improves the driver’s view of the dash, while also making the on-the-move gear selection faster and easier. The height difference between the shift lever and the steering wheel has been kept to a minimum, making shifting feel more natural.
The new-look floor console gives the Tribute a T-shaped dash design that is now in keeping with other Mazda models and also features piano black and alloy-look trim finishes, further emphasising the Tribute’s improved quality. A larger console box, which is divided into two sections, acts as an armrest yet is practical enough to store 11 CDs.
Door trims are also new and feature alloy-look accents. All models feature illuminated vanity mirrors for both front seat passengers. Seat trims have also been upgraded with a black keynote and grey highlight scheme for either cloth or leather.
Dynamics
The 2.3-litre four-cylinder powered Tributes benefit from the addition of an electronic throttle and sequential valve timing, producing both a smoother initial acceleration input while also boosting torque delivery from the low to the mid rev range. The engine develops 109 kilowatts at 6000rpm, while the torque peak of 199Nm arrives 500rpm lower in the rev range at 4000rpm.
The addition of a Closed Coupling Catalyst (CCC) has cut the engine’s exhaust emissions to Euro Stage III levels. Incorporating a linear oxygen sensor to monitor absolute fuel/air ratios and a Ramda oxygen sensor behind the CCC – this ensures stable control of exhaust gases over extended periods – greatly reduces both HC and NOx levels.
Mazda’s 2.3-litre engine also gains a next-generation alternator, which not only reduces under bonnet noise, it is also more powerful and efficient. Mechanical changes to the SUV wagon’s 152 kilowatt 3.0-litre V6’s torque converter and revised transmission shift points have improved average fuel economy by a significant 10.6 per cent. The upgrades have cut the V6-powered Tribute’s average fuel consumption from 12.2L/100km to 10.9L/100km on the ADR 81/01 test cycle. The 60 degree V6 engine, which produces 276Nm of torque at 4750rpm, is Euro Stage III complaint.
Other updates to the engine include the move from a dual to a single piece electric fan, the engine head cover is now aluminium and the water pump has moved from the intake to the exhaust side. These changes help reduce under bonnet NVH. The V6 and four-cylinder engines mate to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The powerful and torquey V6 has helped Tribute, which competes in a market swamped by four-cylinder rivals, earn a reputation as one of the most capable off-roaders in its class.
With ground clearance ranging from 201mm to 214mm depending on model and tyre specification and short front and rear overhangs, the Tribute can venture further off-road than many of its rivals. Approach angles for example vary between 29.1 degrees and 30.2 degrees.
To maximise traction, Tribute is equipped with an on-demand four-wheel-drive system that gives it all-road, all-weather capability. Called “Rotary Blade Coupling” it quickly activates when conditions, both on road and off, demand.
The four-wheel-drive system automatically senses when the front wheels begin to slip and hydraulically transfers power to the rear wheels for improved traction. This seamless transfer of up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque ensures that additional traction is on hand when the driver needs it. For added off-road performance, a dash-mounted switch activates an electro-magnetic coupling, enabling the driver to lock the system in four-wheel drive, spreading engine power and torque 50/50 front to rear.
Like other Mazdas, the Tribute, which features MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, delivers first-class handling, steering and ride comfort. Revised damper settings have further improved the Tribute’s handling stability and ride comfort.
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard and delivers exceptional road feel and responsiveness. The steering also benefits from a front-end tweak with a revised layout for the stabilizer control links producing a kingpin steering moment that is close to zero, boosting on-centre steering feel, while the wheel smoothly returns to centre. Rigid monocoque construction provides a solid foundation for the Tribute and incorporates Mazda’s “Triple-H” body reinforcements in the roof, sides and floor to further enhance safety and rigidity.
Safety upgrade
All Tribute models now feature disc brakes all round with the new model adding 302mm solid discs at the rear, while the front discs increase in size from 278mm to 303mm. Controlled by an ABS anti-lock system with electronic brake force distribution the new all-disc brake package improves resistance to fading and provides a more linear feel than the superseded disc/drum setup. All models feature Emergency Brake Assist which assesses pedal speed and force to recognise emergency situations applying additional braking power for maximum stopping performance.
New Tribute also gains a centre rear lap/sash seatbelt with adjustable headrest.
All Tributes come with four airbags – dual front and side airbags mounted on each front seat. The larger than normal 15 litre front-seat airbags are triggered by a sensor located on each side of the vehicle. When a collision is detected the affected side airbag inflates between the seat and the door trim, protecting both the occupants head and thorax.
To prevent secondary head strike, shock-absorbing structures are used throughout the cabin with the B and C pillars using ribbed trim materials and the roof side sections energy absorbing urethane. The large side airbags compliment dual front airbags. The driver’s front airbag has a capacity of 45 litres and the passenger’s 125 litres, with the shape and airbags to passenger distance optimised for the protection of children and small adults.
Apart from standard ABS brakes with EBD, the Tribute boasts class-leading active safety with its independent front and rear suspension and sharp, rack and pinion steering.
Tribute comes standard with a sophisticated engine immobiliser and features remote central locking with a deadlock function. All Tributes are covered by Mazda’s comprehensive 3 year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
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