January 8^th, 2000                 

New 4WD Tribute debuts in LA

The all new Mazda Tribute made its world debut at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, which opened today.

Due for release in Australia in about 12 months time, the Tribute is Mazda’s first four wheel drive wagon and is powered by a choice of 2.0 litre in line four cylinder engine or a 3.0 litre V6.

Australian vehicles will be sourced from Mazda in Hiroshima, while left hand drive American and Canadian vehicles will be manufactured in the US and go on sale in the middle of 2000.

The Tribute’s transmission provides "on demand" four wheel drive through what is described as the "Rotary Blade Coupling", with lock up function to provide an "all-road, all-weather capability." The system automatically transfers up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels in slippery road conditions. Alternatively, the driver can operate a switch to select four wheel drive.

Featuring a monocoque body construction with Mazda’s "Triple H" safety reinforcement, the vehicle has a fully independent front strut and rear multi link suspension and precise power assisted rack and pinion steering. Tribute rides on a long 2618 mm wheelbase and has a 1549 mm track.

Ventilated front disc brakes and rear drums are standard, and four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is available. EBD is a sophisticated electronic system that replaces the conventional mechanical dual-proportioning valve.

Styling of the 2001 Mazda Tribute is sophisticated and expressive, and features the now distinctive five point grille with the ‘floating’ emblem as well as ‘signature’ bonnet sculptures. Each of Mazda’s four design centres, which are located in Japan (Hiroshima and Yokohama), the United States (Irvine CA) and Europe (Frankfurt), had input into the design of the vehicle with the final selection coming from the design group in Hiroshima.

Inside, the Tribute offers seating for five, while also allowing 492 litres of cargo room behind the second seat row, while with the second-row seat folded, there is 1996 litres of cargo area.