Really SportyUtility Vehicle

When Mazda introduced the Tribute 3.0L 4X2 a couple of months ago, the company flaunted it as "a sports car trapped inside an SUV body". True to their claim, the Tribute had the 204PS 3.0-liter V6 engine, sports-tuned suspension and Mazda’s "zoom-zoom" character, not to mention the sporty and luxurious amenities like the sunroof and the automatic transmission to warrant its label as a sport utility vehicle, with emphasis on the "sport". But the good folks at Mazda didn’t rest on their laurels: they wanted the Tribute to cater to a wider range of buyers.

Last July 15 at the spanking new Mazda Greenhills dealership of auto mogul Felix Ang, Mazda Group Philippines introduced the Tribute 2.3L 4X2. The latest iteration sports a 2.3-liter in-line four with double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 4-valves per cylinder and Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) system that delivers 157PS at 6000rpm and 203Nm of torque at 4500rpm. The Duratec four-cylinder engine utilizes a Variable Inertia Charging system and Tumble Swirl Control Valves for superior power, torque and fuel efficiency at all speeds.

The exterior design of this new Tribute complements metropolitan Filipinos who go for style and value. Its polished, distinctive styling with its tough and substantial appearance realized within sensible dimensions gives this Mazda SUV its sporty image. Mazda retained the sunroof and the automatic transmission to retain its sporty appeal and added new features like LED tail lamps and steering wheel-mounted audio controls to up the ante on the new model.

Completing its athletic and sporty look, the Tribute 2.3L is the only SUV that can provide the feel of a sports car. Though this writer hasn’t sampled the Tribute 3.0L, several scribes have attested to the Tribute’s unique car-like handling feel. Its superb handling allows its drivers to enjoy the challenge of driving around the tight Metro Manila traffic or on weekend jaunts outside of city limits. Equipped with superior multi-link suspension, precise rack-and-pinion steering, and a speed-sensitive electronic power assist, the Mazda Tribute 2.3L continues the company’s theme of sports car-like handling and agility.

When it comes to safety features, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) for maximum braking efficiency ensure the driver can haul the Tribute from speed and brake with confidence while dual airbags allow an extra margin of safety. These enhancements allow the Tribute 2.3L to give exceptional performance and exhilarating drive experience, as well as comfort with a sports-car agility, maneuverability and safety, supporting its claim as an SUV with the soul of a sports car.

According to Tonette Lee, Mazda’s AVP for Marketing, the Tribute 2.3 is aimed at the market segment that wants the performance and amenities of the Tribute but would like the everyday practicality and economy of a smaller engine. "We like to say Mazda is best represented by zoom-zoom, and therefore, we will offer vehicles that will be a joy to drive. As the world’s number one maker of sports cars, numbers-wise, Mazda puts a little bit of sports car in everything we build. In the case of the Mazda Tribute, the Filipino consumer deserves to have more choices in the market, and that’s what we are giving them. We believe that with the entry of the Mazda Tribute 2.3L, it would be the sprightlier, sportier choice for an SUV," says Lee.

"We are really positioning the 2.3L against the lower engine displacement (below 3.0L) SUV’s in the market, and in a sense we are targeting the first time SUV buyer. We think that the younger set will appreciate its exterior design, which is not clunky, as compared to some SUV’s. We’re also offering features that they will be using a lot as they drive. Why pay for specifications that you won’t really use in an urban setting? Also, since it is designed to be sporty and fun, with the handling and performance similar to that of a sports car, this all new Mazda SUV makes driving around the city an exhilarating experience, while looking good, as well," Lee added.

After successfully carrying Mazda’s brand imprint — insightful design, exceptional functionality and responsive handling, the Tribute 2.3L is certain to raise consumers’ expectations of what a mini-SUV should be. And despite our depressed car market, the excitement is building up on new models being introduced, and the Tribute 2.3L just added fuel to the flame. We can’t wait to fire one up and get in for an actual test drive. Until then, we’ll keep you posted.