16th February, 2001Tribute – 4WD with a sports car soulWords like ‘sporty’ and ‘car-like’ don’t usually apply to 4x4 wagons, but Mazda says it has drawn on its years of sports car experience in creating the Tribute 4WD wagon.
To avoid a perception that model-sharing had reached `cannibalism', Mazda and Ford are positioning their products differently, the Tribute being portrayed as "stylish and sophisticated" while its Ford cousin Escape is "tough and truck-ish". Said to combine practicality and off road capability with car like handling and performance, its attributes include tuned, multi-link suspension, precise steering, monocoque construction, the choice of a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder or powerful 24-valve, 3.0 litre V6 engine and a spacious, versatile interior.
A five speed manual transmission with floor mounted lever is offered with the 2.0 litre model while a four speed electronic automatic transmission with column mounted selector is fitted to the V6 models. Three trim levels are available – Limited (2.0 litre and 3.0 litre ); Classic (3.0 litre) and Luxury (3.0 litre). Standard equipment throughout the range includes air conditioning, power windows and rear view mirrors, and an in-dash CD changer. A sun roof is fitted to Classic and Luxury models which have 6-CD changers, and leather trim standard at the Luxury level. Measurements depend on specs Its wide track, which contributes to the wagon’s high stability levels, also varies according to the tyres fitted. 215 spec tyres give a track of 1540 front and 1520 rear, while 235 spec tyres make it 1550 front and 1530 rear. .The wagon has a running clearance ranging from 201-214 mm depending on model and tyre specification. Short front and rear overhangs permit an approach angle of 28.4° for Limited models and 30.1° for Classic and Luxury, and a departure angle of 27.5° for Limited and 31.8° for Classic and Luxury models. Mazda says that good handling - an established ‘signature’ for its products – is to be found in Tribute. Tuned to be similar to the MX-5 roadster, responsive handling and exceptional road feel - usually ‘lost’ in a four wheel drive - has been achieved. This results in confident, high-performance on-road driving, and real 4WD credentials for reassuring off-road capabilities. ‘On demand’ or ‘on command’ 4WD The result is the innovative Rotary Blade Coupling (RBC) system, one of the latest and most technologically advanced on the market. RBC works two ways: in normal driving, it operates as an automatic "on demand" system, switching from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive as soon as the front wheels begin to slip; it also works as an "on command" system, with the driver able to lock in 4WD by pushing a button on the instrument panel. In either mode, the transition from front-wheel to four-wheel drive is claimed to be seamless, thus maintaining stability of the vehicle on wet or slippery roads. There are three main sections in the RBC: the pressure-generating section, the main multi-plate clutch and the electromagnetic clutch of the 4WD lock. Unlike a viscous coupling system, the RBC’s pressure generating and torque transmitting sections are separate. This reduces the unwanted build-up of heat in the mechanism, reduces the shock of shifting into 4WD and ensures greater stability. The pressure-generating section of the RBC consists of blades connected to the output shaft in a high-viscosity silicon fluid. When the front wheels begin to slip, the blades slip within the casing, raising the pressure of the silicon oil, thus engaging the multi-plate clutch discs in the torque-generating section. A driver may also activate the four-wheel-drive system via a 4WD lock switch on the instrument panel. When this switch is pressed, it sends a signal to the electromagnetic clutch 4WD-lock solenoid in the RBC. This clutch then activates a set of cams, which in turn engage the main multi-plate clutch, transferring torque to the rear wheels. With the 4WD lock engaged, torque is split 50:50 between the front and rear wheels. On solid foundations The front strut and rear multi-link independent suspension provides an ideal balance of spirited handling and ride comfort. The front roll center is lower than its rear roll center giving exceptional steering feel and turn-in while providing more linear response. Standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivers exceptional road feel and responsiveness. Ventilated front disc brakes and rear drums are also standard, and a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is fitted to Classic and Luxury models. A sophisticated electronic system that replaces the conventional mechanical dual-proportioning valve, EBD varies the amount of rear braking force depending on load to achieve optimal stopping performance when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Expressions of style
Those car-like qualities carry over to the interior, with a stylish instrument panel in which the major meters and warnings are contained in a binnacle in front of the driver. Audio and climate system controls - which are large and easy to use - are close at hand in the centre section of the dash Visibility is exceptional, with a commanding view of the road ahead, and entry and exit is made easier by the Tribute’s low step-in height and sizable door openings. Dual de-powered air bags are also standard, while front seat-mounted side air bags are available on the leather trimmed Luxury model. Endowed with exceptional on-road steering, handling and braking performance, Tribute’s capabilities when the road ends are greater than most owners will ever need, according to Mazda Australia managing director Malcom Gough. "People are now looking for 4WD’s that aren’t intimidating, that are easy-to-use and combine realistic off road capacity with car-style comfort and usability," said Mr Gough. "Big lumbering 4WD’s that can climb a cliff face are falling from grace. It is an important new product for us and although we are newcomers to this segment I think the Tribute is well positioned on price and specification to make a very big impact". Tribute Pricing
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The development programme for Tribute was actually the first collaboration in
terms of R&D and production between Mazda and Ford, with the Blue Oval's dividend
being its new Escape.
The V6 engine produces maximum power of 150 kW at 6000 rpm and torque of 266 Nm
at 4700 rpm, while the 2.0 litre, four cylinder engine produces 97 kW of power at 5400 rpm
and 183 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.
Inside, Tribute offers seating for five while also allowing ample cargo room
behind the second seat. A flat cargo floor for greater capacity can be created by double
folding the rear seats. The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split and there are four
tie-down hooks to secure cargo over rough terrain. With the rear seats in position the
cargo area provides 368 litres (VDA) or space which increases to a maximum of 793 when the
seats are folded.