July 2001 Volume 82 Number 7 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

A Lively performer

Mazda has entered the highly competitive recreational 4WD market with its classy new Tribute wagon. Boasting plenty of space, good comfort levels and excellent handling characteristics, Tribute is offered with a powerful V6 engine across the board.

It’s pitted against established rivals such as RAV-4, CRV and a rash of newcomers like Hyundai’s Santa Fe, Land Rover’s latest Freelander and the new Ford Escape. Although Tribute and Escape share the same platform and running gear, they are unique in terms of their appearance, driveability and product positioning.

Of the three Tribute models available, only the entry-level Limited comes with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. Optional on Limited, and standard on up-market Classic and Luxury models, is a silky smooth 3.0-litre V6 engine coupled to a standard four-speed automatic transmission.

The punchy DOHC, multi-valve, V6, produces 150kW, providing Tribute with an excellent power-to-weight ratio, ensuring lively performance. Drive is to the front wheels, with an advanced “on-demand” four-wheel-drive system automatically engaging the moment the front wheels begin to slip.

Although Tribute does not have a two-speed transfer case, it does have a 4WD-lock button on the dashboard. This allows the transmission to be manually locked in slippery conditions, thus providing a 50/50 torque split to front and rear axles. Approach and departure angles are quite good, as is its ground clearance. Even though this is not a heavy duty 4x4, with sufficient care it could be taken into moderate terrain.

Tribute’s wide cabin has a spacious, airy feel with large windows providing excellent all-round visibility. There’s the usual array of grab-handles, cup-holders and storage bins scattered around the interior. Front and rear seats are comfortable, the rear seat utilising a 60/40 split/fold design and wide enough for three adults.

The flat cabin floor is not cluttered by the usual gear selection or low range levers. Instead, Mazda has opted for a column shift on the V6 auto. While it’s definitely not “macho”, it is easy to use and allows for a much larger console bin. The generous cargo bay is accessed by a single lift-up tailgate or handy flip-up rear window.

Tribute pricing starts at $29,990, the entry model featuring:

• Air-conditioning.
• Power windows.
• Single CD player.
• Remote locking.
• Dual airbags.

Top of the range, Luxury sells for $41,800 and is fully equipped with inclusions, such as:

• Full leather trim.
• Tilt/slide sunroof.
• Front side airbags.
• Six-disc in-dash CD player.
• Alloy wheels.

There’s no doubt, Tribute has the power, space and comfort to lure some people away from the traditional family-six wagon. With similar pricing, it has the added advantage of being able to take its owners further afield and, in the 4x4 stakes, it’s certainly no toy.

Another totally new vehicle to wear the Mazda nameplate this year is the Premacy space hatch. And whilst it’s no head-turner, it does have a cheeky front end and offers versatility, space and comfort rarely found in a car of this size.

Premacy is 20mm shorter than the 323 Astina, but shares the same width and many of its mechanical components. Its tall body features a short sloping bonnet and steeply raked windscreen, providing a cab-forward design, thus maximising interior space. Large windows provide excellent all-round visibility. However, the large rear headrests compromise rear vision a little.

Power is provided by a 1.8-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder engine, transversely mounted and driving the front wheels. There’s a useful 92kW of power available, ensuring ample power for economical suburban or country driving.

Available in only one specification level, Premacy is not cheap: $27,690 in manual form and $29,640 for the auto version. That said, it is very well appointed with comfort and safety features including:

• Power steering.
• ABS brakes.
• Dual SRS airbags.
• Power windows.
• Five lap/sash seatbelts.
• Remote central locking and immobiliser.
• Air-conditioning.
• Four-speaker audio system featuring CD player.
• Steering wheel mounted controls.

Cargo space and interior flexibility are Premacy’s strong points. Each of the three individual rear bucket seats can be independently laid back, folded forward or totally removed. The front passenger seat will even fold forward, giving this small vehicle immense interior space when compared to standard hatchbacks.

No, Premacy’s not for everyone. It is, however, a pleasant vehicle to drive and certainly has a place in the rapidly expanding small car market.

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