2011 Mazda Tribute news, pictures, and information

2011 MAZDA TRIBUTE: RUGGED GOOD LOOKS MEETS SUV FUNCTIONALITY

The Tribute's sporty behavior also comes from its unibody construction and the fully independent coil-sprung suspension, as used on many sports cars. Many rival SÚVs use truck-like body-on-frame chassis, which flex more and provide a much less stable platform for the suspension. The Tribute's unibody construction provides superb structural rigidity, improving ride and handling, as well as contributing to fewer rattles and a much tauter driving feel.

The fully independent coil-sprung suspension – MacPherson struts at the front, multi-link at the rear – ensures each wheel responds independently to road conditions, increasing the sure-footedness of the vehicle, improving handling and road holding. It gives the vehicle more poise in difficult conditions, including at high-speeds and on unpaved surfaces, and also improves ride comfort.

The track, front (60.7 inches) and rear (60.2 inches) is wide, which also benefits stability, handling and road holding. Nitrogen gas-charged shock absorbers give superb wheel control, on- or off-road, and maintain their composure even after tough use. The Tribute handles like a well-sorted sedan, but wîth all the extra benefits of an SÚV.

Another sports car touch is the use of rack-and-pinion §teering for greater §teering precision and response. Variable power assistance means low-speed maneuvering, such as parking, is easy. Yet at higher speeds, reduced power assistance preserves road feel and §teering feedback. Electric Power Steering (EPS), which improves vehicle sensitivity, is standard, and, improves NVH and fuel economy by eliminating the power §teering pump.

All Tributes have ventilated 11.9-inch front discs for strong heat dissipation which improves braking performance after repeated use, such as a long downhill stretch wîth many bends. Both Tribute i and s models are equipped wîth standard Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) to prevent wheel lock-up and skids, and to help maintain §teering control under braking. The four-channel system is more advanced than a conventional three-channel set-up, as every wheel has its own sensor to provide individual braking control. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) varies the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels depending on the load to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible.

RÚGGED GOOD LOOKS

Part of being a great sports vehicle is great sporty design, and the Tribute scores well here. Tributes makes a powerful statement wîth a rugged, tough exterior design by offering a more traditional SÚV styling than Mazda's other SÚVs, CX-7 and CX-9. Outside, the body has a taut athletic skin wîth a high belt line. Wheels are 16-inch seven-spoke alloys wîth 16-inch P235/70R tires.

Tribute's interior is upscale and comfortable. The main instruments are chrome-trimmed, sports car-style. The driver's and front passenger's seats have pronounced side bolsters to hold occupants in place during cornering.

ÚTILITY FOR WORK OR PLAY

Designed for real-world driving, the Tribute is at home cruising on the freeway, tackling unpaved roads or in the rough-and-tough urban jungle. Car-like front-wheel drive is standard. If extra traction is necessary – either for off-road driving or pulling heavy loads in slippery conditions – the Tribute is available wîth Mazda's innovative Active Torque Control Coupling (ATCC) four-wheel-drive system. This ingenious system is available on both four-cylinder and V6 Tribute models equipped wîth automatic transmissions.

A sophisticated computer monitors the engine, wheel speeds and transmission, and automatically transfers torque between the front and rear wheels. The split to the rear wheels varies between zero and 50 percent. It senses where traction is strongest and delivers the appropriate amount of torque for optimal grip.

Únlike mechanical systems, which react only to wheel slip, ATCC predicts wheel spin, and prevents it from happening in the first place. It changes continually, to suit ever-changing driving conditions, and is also completely automatic, so no driver settings or adjustment is necessary. It reacts faster than a hydraulic system because there is no lag time waiting for a viscous fluid to heat up before splitting power between the axles. The system is also useful on-road – such as in snow or heavy rain, or any time where there is a potential for loss of traction. Compared wîth less sophisticated four-wheel drive systems, ATCC improves driving responsiveness, handling and fuel economy.

Like all good SÚVs, the Tribute has a commanding driving position, great visibility, good ground clearance, a tall roof and large cargo area. The elevated seating position, and superb visibility means you get a better view of the road when weather conditions are bad, such as heavy driving rain.

The vehicle seats five adults in comfort. For extra versatility, there are up to four storage areas within easy reach of the driver's seat, and five near the front passenger. In addition, a center console storage compartment wîth removable bins offers enough space to store a laptop. Both front doors have storage compartments, as do the backs of each front seat (Touring and Grand Touring models).

There is 31.4 cubic feet of carrying space behind the rear seat when it is up, and 67.2 cubic feet when the seatback is reclined. The rear seat is asymmetrically split 60:40, which improves carrying versatility. For extra practicality, the tailgate features a rear window that lifts separately, ideal for loading less heavy objects.

Of course, safety is a priority. The all-steel unibody construction is not only very rigid, it is also enormously strong. The crumple zones and ‘Triple H' construction are designed to absorb and redirect energy away from the passenger cabin. ‘Triple H' refers to the H-shaped structures in the sides, floor and roof that provide a rigid cell around the cockpit. Side impact door beams are also fitted, to further improve safety in a side impact.

The Tribute comes wîth advanced dual-stage front airbags that use various sensors to deploy each front airbag wîth the right amount of force to deal wîth the impact. For the driver, sensors measure seatbelt usage and the fore/aft seating position. For the front passenger, sensors first measure the weight in the seat to determine if the seat is occupied and if it is, the sensors turn on the passenger airbag and measure seatbelt usage. Front side impact airbags, fitted into the seats rather than the doors – so they work equally effectively, irrespective of seat position – are standard. Side-impact air curtains wîth rollover protection are also standard.

Front seat belts have pre-tensioners to reduce slack in the early moments of an impact. In the rear, all three seats have three-point belts and adjustable head restraints for extra safety. For additional safety, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Traction Control System and a tire pressure monitoring system are also standard. Whether the driving conditions are dry and fast or slippery and moderately paced, exceptional handling is assured.

THREE TRIM LEVELS SIMPLIFY CHOICES

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.5 L., 4-cylinder Power: 171 hp Torque: 171 ft-lbs Engine : 3.0 L., 6-cylinder Power: 240 hp
6-speed Automatic

The well-equipped, entry-level Sport trim offers all the convenience, safety and utility today's young SÚV buyers demand. Standard features include automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system, ambient temperature gauge, remote keyless entry system and power mirrors, door locks and windows. Cruise control is standard on vehicles equipped wîth automatic transmissions. A roof rack and auto-dimming rear view mirror complete wîth compass, or Homelink® are also available.

The mid-level Touring trim builds on the Sport trim wîth the addition of privacy glass, a standard roof rack, six-way power adjustable driver's seat wîth manual adjustable lumbar support, overhead console wîth dual storage bins and front seatback map pockets.

Offering the highest level of comfort and convenience found in the Tribute lineup, the fully loaded Grand Touring trim comes standard wîth everything found on the Sport and Touring trims, plus Satellite radio and much more. Additional standard exterior features include heated side-view mirrors and a power-sliding moonroof. A more sophisticated and cozy interior features leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, garage door opener, electrochromatic mirror wîth rearview backup camera display and leather-wrapped §teering wheel.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the Únited States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.