Mazda Tribute hybrid
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As the auto industry is being forced to make enormous changes with rising gas prices, the Mazda Tribute hybrid is proving to be a superior choice with the performance and features it offers.
Consumer demand is rising for clean fuel vehicles, and until recently, the choices have been slim. However, the hybrid vehicle market is just beginning to offer a variety of hybrid electric vehicle choices, and reviews are placing the Mazda hybrid as a strong competitor in this market. This will review the fuel economy, pricing, availability, and quality of the Mazda Tribute hybrid.
One of the things that sets the Mazda hybrid apart is that it comes with two engine choices: the front wheel drive or a four-wheel drive option. The vehicle operates with a modified 2.5-liter gas engine. The engine use is maximized by the Atkinson combustion cycle, which helps the engine run more efficiently by the timing of the opening/closing of the valves. In addition, there is a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor that picks up during lower speeds/towing situations. After the Tribute reaches 25 MPH, the gas engine kicks in to provide the necessary power and efficiency to do more work.
Like some of the other hybrid models, the Tribute also uses the Regenerative Braking system, in which the battery is charged when decelerating. It works much like a generator; lost energy is stored and then transferred to the electric motor. This combination plays a huge impact of gas mileage. This clean fuel vehicle gets superior gas mileage of up to 34 MPG with the FWD model, and with the 4WD, the driver will get up to 27 MPG. While some reviews give a lower MPG, it still falls close into this range. This mileage may not seem impressive at first glance, but for the power and driving ability, SUV owners can attest that this is good mileage. With this model, the owner does not have to sacrifice on towing ability in order to own a hybrid.
The Tribute is not yet widely available; the 2009 model Mazda Tribute hybrid is only being sold in select areas of California. This production run is only making about 300 vehicles. These MSRP for these vehicles are starting at $25,485. That makes this a fair price among SUV’s and utility vehicles. Of course, the price goes up with additional features, but what a list of features that is! With a vehicle that performs like this, we can plan to see more of them over the next several years.
The options you can get with this hybrid vehicle include not only a choice of the engine type, but it comes with 4 wheel independent suspension which make it quite an agile vehicle during poor weather conditions. The buyer gets a choice of trim level as well: the Sport, Touring, or Grand Touring. The Grand Touring gives the best options. Manufacturing qualities include roll stability to prevent the vehicle from rolling should the driver lose control, as well as traction control, which also aid in keeping the vehicle firmly on the road.
The interior offers some luxurious options. This hybrid vehicle has innovative storage areas, a 6-disc CD changer, and seven-speaker sound system. It also offers power windows/locks, cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, optional moon roof, as well as tinted windows. Some models have the leather-trimmed seats. For the most discriminating vehicle shopper, the exterior offers 16” alloy wheels as well as clear halogen headlamps. And of course, the Mazda incorporates the infamous high quality exterior and high quality interior that Mazda is known for.
For those considering purchasing a clean fuel vehicle, there are many options becoming available. Make sure to research so you are certain you are getting the most vehicle for your money. You don’t want to sacrifice space or power if those are important things for you in a vehicle, and you certainly don’t do this with the Mazda Tribute. But you also want to know that you are getting a fuel-efficient vehicle that will be reliable for years to come. Check all your options and find out prices for the features that you want, as well as how available it will be in your local area. While we wait for the auto industry to hammer out the finer points of hybrid vehicles, some of us may not get to drive the electric car until they are more available, but they will soon be the industry standard if the test runs are giving accurate predictions.
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