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The new Mazda Tribute will from next month become the first 4WD in its class with side airbags and ABS anti-lock brakes as standard equipment.

The revised Tribute range, which goes on sale from January, now includes a four-cylinder Limited Sport model powered by a version of Mazda's new-generation 2.3-litre, MZR engine.

The facelifted range of Limited Sport four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 Limited Sport, Classic and Luxury models have four airbags (dual front and front seat mounted side airbags) to maximise occupant protection (secondary safety).

ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution helps maximise primary safety by offering powerful, efficient, anti-skid braking under all conditions.

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 chest and the head.

The managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough said: "For the first time buyers in the most popular SUV segment in the market can have safety as a standard feature".

The Compact SUV segment is by far the biggest with sales to the end of November reaching 68,917 or 50 per cent of all SUVs sold this year, according to VFACTS.

Compact SUVs are so popular that they eclipse the combined sales of medium (34,311), large (23,324) and luxury (10,730) offroaders.

The facelifted Tribute features a number of mechanical upgrades including improvements to the suspension, steering and lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness.

Inside, there are many detailed changes including new cloth trim and a more compact, three spoke steering wheel that includes wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls on all V6 models.

Developing 108 kilowatts at 6000rpm and 201Nm of torque at 4500rpm, the 2.3-litre engine develops 11 per cent more power and 10 per cent more torque than the 2.0-litre engine it replaces.

Unlike the previous manual transmission four-cylinder Tribute the 2.3-litre powerplant mates exclusively to an electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission.

V6 models feature a revised Power Control Module that delivers a 2kW improvement in power and a 10Nm increase in torque, taking the 3.0-litre engine to 152kW at 6000rpm and 276Nm at 4750rpm. The V6 also mates to a four-speed automatic transmission.

With an expected price tag of less than $35,000, the highly specified, more powerful, 2.3-litre Tribute Limited Sport offers better value than the superseded four-cylinder model.

Equipment upgrades include automatic transmission, alloy wheels, ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, side airbags, front fog lamps, roof rails and a lidded storage bin between the front seats.

These new features are worth at least an additional $5000.

Equipment carried over from the superseded Tribute four-cylinder model includes air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a CD player, remote central locking and a retractable cargo cover.

The Limited Sport V6, is expected to remain at $36,990 despite the addition of side airbags and wheel-mounted stereo controls, while the Classic and Luxury models are likely to increase by just a few hundred dollars. Pricing will be confirmed before year's end.

The new Tribute range, which is built in Hofu, Japan, can be identified by styling revisions that further refine and enhance the 4WD's athletic design cues. They include new head and tail lamps and five new body colours.

Mazda Australia expects to sell more than 6000 Tributes in 2004, with the two Limited Sport models making up 40 per cent of the sales mix, the Classic 40 per cent and the Luxury 20 per cent.

The Tribute range is protected by Mazda's three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

2. What's New

• The Tribute is the first 4WD in its class to offer side airbags and ABS anti-lock brakes as standard equipment on all models
• The four-cylinder Limited Sport model is powered by a version of Mazda's new-generation 2.3-litre, four-cylinder MZR engine
• Developing 108 kilowatts at 6000rpm and 201Nm of torque at 4500rpm, the 2.3-litre engine develops 11 per cent more power and 10 per cent more torque than the 2.0-litre engine it replaces
• The 2.3-litre Tribute mates to an electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission
• The DOHC V6 features a revised Power Control Module that delivers a 2kW improvement in power and a 10Nm increase in torque, taking the 3.0-litre engine to 152kW at 6000rpm and 276Nm at 4750rpm
• Revised damper settings have further improved the Tribute's handling, stability and ride comfort
• Tribute customers will appreciate the introduction of a new brake pad compound that produces less noise, less wear and less brake dust
• Alloy wheels are now standard on the four-cylinder Tribute. The five-spoke, 16x6.5 wheel has been designed to look sporty and aggressive
• Revised cloth trim has been added to Limited Sport V6 and Classic models
• A smaller, sportier looking, three-spoke wheel has replaced the original four-spoke steering wheel
• Wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls are standard on all V6 models
• The Limited Sport variants now boast a black top half to the dash panel, while all models come with silver-coloured meter rings around the speedo and tachometer. They sit in a new-look instrument binnacle that has a cleaner, more refined look

Expected to be priced under $35,000, the highly specified, more powerful, 2.3-litre Tribute Limited Sport will offer better value than the superseded four-cylinder model

Four-cylinder equipment upgrades include automatic transmission, alloy wheels, ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, side airbags, front fog lamps and roof rails. These new features are worth at least an additional $5000

The new Tribute range, which is built in Hofu, Japan, can be identified by styling revisions that further refine and enhance the 4WD's athletic design cues. They include new head and tail lamps and five new body colours

3. Driving Dynamics

The new four-cylinder Limited Sport Tribute is powered by Mazda's new-generation 2.3-litre MZR engine.

Developing 108kW and 201Nm of torque the engine develops 11 per cent more power and 10 per cent more torque than the 2.0-litre it replaces, while producing less noise and returning improved economy.

The all-alloy, 16-valve engine uses a Variable Inertia-charging System for superior torque and fuel efficiency at all engine speeds. The VIS is located in the intake manifold and controls the intake passage length by opening and closing the secondary air chamber valve in accordance with the engine speed, maximising the cylinder charging effect of pressure waves in the manifold.

At low engine speeds the valve is closed, boosting the engine's maximum torque by as much as 2.2 per cent. At higher engine speed, the valve is open, boosting torque at higher rpm.

To maximise fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions the engine incorporates Tumble Swirl Control Valves, while the exhaust system is made from stainless steel and has a dual pipe structure that delays cooling of the exhaust gases, which helps warm the catalyst quickly, reducing emissions.

The MZR engine also keeps levels of noise, vibration and harshness to a minimum thanks to a highly rigid cast alloy cylinder block and it uses a compact, oil pan mounted, cassette-type balancer shaft with eight counterweights to minimise vibration.

The three six-cylinder Tribute models are powered by a 3.0-litre, 60 degree banked V6 that can claim to be one of the most powerful engines in a market segment swamped by four-cylinder rivals.

The DOHC V6 features a revised Power Control Module that delivers a 2kW improvement in power and a 10Nm increase in torque, taking the 3.0-litre engine to 152kW at 6000rpm and 276Nm at 4750rpm.

The V6 mates to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

The powerful and torquey V6 has helped Tribute 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 vary between 28.4 degrees and 30.1 degrees, while departure angles are just as impressive, varying between 27.5 and 31.8 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 returns to centre more smoothly than before.

Tribute customers will also appreciate the introduction of a revised brake pad compound that produces less noise, less wear and less brake dust.

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.

4. Design & Packaging

The Tribute's exterior combines passenger car style and refinement with the purposeful, athletic look of a traditional offroader.

Key exterior features include:

• A forward-focused stance combines with short overhangs and wide treads to convey a sense of dynamism and toughness
• Bold character lines on the bonnet and on the sides of the wagon create an impression of sportiness and speed
• Large bumpers, side cladding and the V6 model's wheel-arch mouldings convey a sense of ruggedness and stability, yet are smoothly integrated into the Tribute's body, giving a sense of passenger car refinement

This exterior design is complimented by fresh details introduced in the new Tribute, conveying an even stronger sense of refinement.

The head and tail lamps are new with the headlights featuring a smooth and unpatterned design, producing a clearer, deeper appearance.

The tail lamps have a smooth, red unpatterned, clear one-piece lens incorporating circular, vertically stacked lamps. Each of the two lower lamps - the indicators and reversing lights - have their own sporty-looking uncoloured lenses.

Alloy wheels are now standard on four-cylinder Tributes. The five-spoke, 16x6.5 wheel has been designed to look sporty and aggressive.

Five of eight of the original body colours have been replaced. The new colours are Passion Orange mica, Sparkling Silver metallic, Strato Blue mica, Silver Contrail metallic and Nordic Green mica and combine with Cool Grey cladding on the Limited Sport models and Exceed Silver coloured cladding on the Classic and Luxury variants.

As with all Mazdas metallic or mica paint is available at no additional cost.

Inside, there is new cloth trim on the Limited Sport and Classic models with these grades coming with a sporty mesh fabric used on the doors and the central section of the seat squab and seatback. Luxury models feature black leather trim on seat facings.

A smaller, sportier looking three-spoke wheel has replaced the original four-spoke steering wheel, similar to the steering wheel fitted to the Mazda6.

The Limited Sport variants now boast a black top half to the dash panel, while all models come with silver-coloured meter rings. The instrument binnacle has been redesigned giving a cleaner, more sophisticated look.

A larger sunglasses holder, which can accommodate sports sunglasses, has been added.

5. Safety & Security

The Mazda Tribute now comes with ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD and four airbags - dual front and side airbags mounted on each front seat - making it the first Compact 4WD wagon to offer these important safety features as standard.

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.

6. Features & Specifications

			I4 Limited Sport	V6 Limited Sport	V6 Classic	V6 Luxury
FEATURES
Transmission
4 speed automatic with lock up torque converter and overdrive switch			X	X	X	X
Exterior
Alloy wheels			X	X	X	X
Power sliding glass sun-roof with sunshade			-	-	X	X
Roof rails			X	X	X	X
Power mirrors			X	X	X	X
Power windows with accessory delay function			X	X	X	X
Body side cladding			X	X	-	-
Body side cladding and wheel arch mouldings - painted in high gloss			-	-	X	X
Body coloured door handles			X	X	X	X
Front and rear mudflaps			X	X	X	X
Flip up rear window			X	X	X	X
Green tinted windscreen, side and rear windows			X	X	X	X
Power aerial			X	X	X	X
Instrumentation
Tachometer, temperature gauge and electronic odometer			X	X	X	X
Low fuel warning light			X	X	X	X
4x4 lock switch on warning			X	X	X	X
Critical function warning lights/chimes			X	X	X	X
Lights
Multi-reflector halogen headlamps			X	X	X	X
Auto headlamps-off function			X	X	X	X
Front fog-lamps			X	X	X	X
Illuminated entry system with delayed fade			X	X	X	X
Interior map reading spot lamps			X	X	X	X
Cargo room lamp			X	X	X	X
Illuminated driver's power window switch and ignition key surround			X	X	X	X
Lights-left-on sound warning			X	X	X	X
Instrument panel light dimmer			X	X	X	X
Interior
Air-conditioning			X	X	X	X
Cruise control			-	X	X	X
Audio system with:		AM/FM digital tuner	X	X	X	X
		CD player, single disc	X	X	-	-
		CD player, in-dash 6-disc	-	-	X	X
		speakers, number of	4	4	4	4
Digital clock inc. in audio system			X	X	X	X
Front 2-speed wipers with variable intermittent function			X	X	X	X
Rear wiper with intermittent function			X	X	X	X
Rear window demister			X	X	X	X
Interior release for fuel filler door			X	X	X	X
Tilt adjustable steering column			X	X	X	X
Upper grade cloth seat trim and door inserts			X	X	X	-
Leather seat trim (and durable Maztex material on selected high impact surfaces)			-	-	-	X
Leather-wrapped steering wheel			-	-	-	X
Steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches			-	X	X	X
Front seats with:		adjustable head restraints	X	X	X	X
		rake and slide adjustment	X	X	X	X
		driver's seat lumbar adjustment	X	X	X	X
		driver's seat-base tilt adjustment	X	X	X	X
		full recline function	X	X	X	X
		driver's side seat back pocket	X	X	X	X
		passenger's side seat back pocket	X	X	X	X
Rear seats with:		adjustable head restraints	X	X	X	X
		60/40 split fold backrest	X	X	X	X
		double folding function (flat fold) and removable seat cushion	X	X	X	X
Full interior carpet and cloth moulded headlining			X	X	X	X
Lockable glove box			X	X	X	X
Front and rear passenger assist grips			X	X	X	X
Passenger's side vanity mirror			X	X	X	X
Centre console (large) with enclosed storage bin and 4 cupholders			X	X	X	X
Front door map pockets			X	X	X	X
Sunglasses storage compartment			-	-	X	X
Retractable cargo area cover			X	X	X	X
Cargo area auxiliary power point			X	X	X	X
Cargo area tiedown hooks			X	X	X	X
Cigarette lighter and ashtray			X	X	X	X
Driver's left footrest			X	X	X	X
Safety and Theft Prevention
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)			X	X	X	X
Front SRS airbags (driver and passenger)			X	X	X	X
Side SRS airbags (front)			X	X	X	X
Front seat-belts with pretensioners, load-limiters and height adjustable shoulder anchorages			X	X	X	X
Remote operated central locking and boot release (2 transmitters)			X	X	X	X
Engine immobiliser			X	X	X	X
'Double lock' door deadlock function			X	X	X	X
Driver's power window - one touch (down only)			X	X	X	X
Child restraint anchor points and childproof rear door locks			X	X	X	X
Day/night rear vision mirror			X	X	X	X
High mount stop lamp			X	X	X	X
Side impact door beams			X	X	X	X
'Triple H' safety construction with front and rear crumple zones			X	X	X	X
Specifications
			I4 Limited Sport	V6 Limited Sport	V6 Classic	V6 Luxury
Engine			2.3 litre 4 cylinder in-line 16 valve DOHC	3.0 litre V6 24 valve DOHC	3.0 litre V6 24 valve DOHC	3.0 litre V6 24 valve DOHC
Engine capacity	cc		2,260	2,967	2,967	2,967
Bore and stroke	mm		87.5 x 94.0	89.0 x 79.5	89.0 x 79.5	89.0 x 79.5
Compression ratio			9.7 : 1	10.0 : 1	10.0 : 1	10.0 : 1
Maximum power	kW		108 @ 6,000rpm	152 @ 6,000rpm	152 @ 6,000rpm	152 @ 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	Nm		201 @ 4,500rpm	276 @ 4,750rpm	276 @ 4,750rpm	276 @ 4,750rpm
Fuel system			Electronic multipoint fuel injection	Electronic multipoint fuel injection	Electronic multipoint fuel injection	Electronic multipoint fuel injection
Fuel tank capacity	litres		62	62	62	62
Recommended fuel			Regular unleaded (ULP)	Regular Unleaded (ULP)	Regular Unleaded (ULP)	Regular Unleaded (ULP)
Fuel consumption	auto (combined) fuel consumption figures are based on ADR 81/01 test results	l/100km	10.3	12.2	12.2	12.2
Transmission Ratios
1st			2.8	2.889	2.889	2.889
2nd			1.54	1.571	1.571	1.571
3rd			1	1	1	1
4th			0.7	0.698	0.698	0.698
Reverse			2.333	2.31	2.31	2.31
Final drive			4.375	3.776	3.776	3.776
Four wheel drive (4WD) mechanism
			Automatic on-demand 4WD with Rotary Blade Coupling (RBC) and push button lockable RBC for full-time 4WD (50:50 front/rear torque split)	Automatic on-demand 4WD with Rotary Blade Coupling (RBC) and push button lockable RBC for full-time 4WD (50:50 front/rear torque split)	Automatic on-demand 4WD with Rotary Blade Coupling (RBC) and push button lockable RBC for full-time 4WD (50:50 front/rear torque split)	Automatic on-demand 4WD with Rotary Blade Coupling (RBC) and push button lockable RBC for full-time 4WD (50:50 front/rear torque split)
Chassis and Suspension
Brake type		front	Ventilated disc	Ventilated disc	Ventilated disc	Ventilated disc
		rear	Drum	Drum	Drum	Drum
Suspension		front	Independent MacPherson strut with coil springs and double acting shock absorbers	Independent MacPherson strut with coil springs and double acting shock absorbers	Independent MacPherson strut with coil springs and double acting shock absorbers	Independent MacPherson strut with coil springs and double acting shock absorbers
		rear	Independent multi-link with lateral arms,coil springs and double acting shock absorbers	Independent multi-link with lateral arms,coil springs and double acting shock absorbers	Independent multi-link with lateral arms,coil springs and double acting shock absorbers	Independent multi-link with lateral arms,coil springs and double acting shock absorbers
Steering			Power assisted (engine revolution sensing) rack and pinion	Power assisted (engine revolution sensing) rack and pinion	Power assisted (engine revolution sensing) rack and pinion	Power assisted (engine revolution sensing) rack and pinion
Turning circle	kerb to kerb	m	10.8	10.8	11.2	11.2
Tyres			215/70R16 99H	215/70R16 99H	235/70R16 105H	235/70R16 105H
Wheels			16 x 6.5 J (alloy)	16 x 6.5 J (alloy)	16 x 7.0 JJ (alloy)	16 x 7.0 JJ (alloy)
Spare tyre/wheel			Full size	Full size	Temporary	Temporary
Dimensions
Overall length		mm	4,395	4,395	4,395	4,395
Overall width		mm	1,800	1,800	1,825	1,825
Overall height		mm	1,770	1,770	1,770	1,770
Wheelbase		mm	2,620	2,620	2,620	2,620
Axle clearance	front	mm	201	201	214	214
	rear	mm	239	239	252	252
Track	front	mm	1,540	1,540	1,550	1,550
	rear	mm	1,520	1,520	1,530	1,530
Kerb weight		kg	1,544	1,576	1,594	1,594
Towing capacity	braked	kg	1,000	1,600	1,600	1,600
	unbraked	kg	750	750	750	750
Approach angle		degrees	28.4	28.4	30.1	30.1
Departure angle		degrees	27.5	31.8	31.8	31.8
Ramp angle		degrees	20.5	20.5	21.1	21.1

For further information contact:
Alastair Doak
National Public Relations Manager
Phone: (03) 8540 1962
Mobile: 0418 626 329
Email: adoak@mazda.com.au