Boasting a fresh look and a host of safety and mechanical upgrades Mazda’s new Tribute goes on sale next month priced from $31,990.

The new-look Tribute range comprises a 2.3-litre four-cylinder model, a 3.0-litre V6 and a V6 with Luxury Pack.

The 2.3-litre model adds a host of new equipment such as automatic climate control air conditioning, an exterior temperature display and an MP3 compatible stereo system.

Other standard features include four airbags, ABS brakes with EBD and Emergency Brake Assist, front fog lamps, remote central locking and 16 inch alloy wheels.

The additional equipment and new pricing improves the new 2.3-litre Tribute’s value by more than $2,500 over the $34,090 superseded model.

The new V6 grade, which is priced from $36,900, offers $1,700 more equipment over the superseded $36,290 Limited Sport V6.

Standard features over those found in the four-cylinder model include cruise control and wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches, high glass painted body side-cladding, wheel arch mouldings and 235 wide tyres on 10-spoke alloy wheels.

The $40,710 Luxury Pack V6 packs more than $3,000 in additional value compared with the previous $43,400 Tribute Luxury model. Luxury Pack models come with leather trim, a sunroof and a six-stack CD.

New Tribute is instantly recognisable with the SUV wagon’s front end completely reworked for a sleeker, more sophisticated appearance.

With redesigned front sheet metal, the new Tribute blends the original vehicle’s rugged, athletic appeal with a more refined “face”.

A mesh grille, incorporating a larger Mazda logo, new clear-finish headlamps and reprofiled front bumper with integrated bumper guard, help blend the Tribute’s more sophisticated look with traditional SUV cues.

The bonnet is a fresh pressing and features sharper, cleaner cut lines that flow into, and blend with, the new grille and headlamps. Tighter panel gaps and new-wheels also add to the Tribute’s higher quality look.

Inside, the changes are just as bold with the previous column shifter replaced by a floor-mounted gear lever.

The centre dash has been completely redesigned to be more functional and aesthetically pleasing, while new-look instruments, door trims and seat fabrics add a more integrated and upmarket ambience.

The cabin is quieter, with redesigned mirrors, which incorporate turn repeater lamps reducing wind noise.

Mechanical changes to the SUV wagon’s 152 kilowatt 3.0-litre V6’s drivetrain have improved average fuel economy by a significant 10.6 per cent.

The upgrades have cut the V6-powered Tribute’s average fuel consumption from 12.2L/100km to 10.9L/100km on the ADR 81/01 test cycle.

Six cylinder models benefit from a more efficient torque converter and revised automatic transmission shift points.

The 2.3-litre four-cylinder powered model adopts sequential valve timing and an electronic throttle and offers better low and mid-speed torque delivery and smoother acceleration feel. Both engines pass clean Euro III emission regulations.

Tribute’s safety equipment, which continues to include standard ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD and dual front and front side airbags, has been upgraded with the centre rear seat passenger now protected by a lap/sash seatbelt and headrestraint, while the braking system now includes Emergency Brake Assist on all models.

Braking has also been improved with the superseded model’s disc/drum system replaced by an all-disc setup incorporating bigger diameter front brakes. The suspension has been retuned.

“Tribute has played a crucial role in the climb of Mazda to the number one import position with more than 30,000 sold in Australia since launch,” said Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson.

“This updated range will continue its sales success and the new range answers the few criticisms current owners have of the Tribute.

“With the arrival of the crossover CX-7 at year’s end Mazda will for the first time in its history have two models competing in the popular SUV market”.

Mazda Australia expects to sell about 250 Tributes a month with the V6 taking 60 per cent of sales, Luxury Pack V6 about 30 per cent, while the four-cylinder is expected to account for 10 per cent of sales.

The Mazda Tribute is protected by a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

New Tribute is offered in six fresh exterior colours that include Hot Red, Lava Stone and Copper.

Four-cylinder models get Storm Grey body cladding, while cladding on V6 and V6 Luxury Pack models is painted Mineral Grey or Medium Platinum dependent on upper body colour.

Pricing

2.3L 4 cylinder $31,990

3.0L V6 $36,900

3.0L V6 Luxury Pack $40,710

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