Mazda
The Mazda is an SUV with a capital "S". Its driver appeal comes from a host of sports oriented features, including the standard 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, found in the Tribute GX model, or the optional 3.0 litre V6 engine good for 200 horsepower. Towing capacity on the 4-cylinder version: 680kg (1500lbs). V6 engines have 1588kg (3500lbs).
An easy shifting five-speed manual gearbox, which has short, sporty gear changes, is standard on the Tribute GX-I4. It uses multi-cone synchronizers (dual-cone for first and second, single for third through fifth) to reduce shift effort and a cable shift for improved gear change precision.
A sophisticated six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is available on all Tributes. Built-in 'logic' within the shift control keeps the transmission in a lower gear on steep inclines to eliminate the hunting many automatics exhibit on steep grades.
Yet another concept from Mazda, Ryuga means 'gracious flow' in Japanese. Unlike the Nagare that was at the L.A show, the Ryuga is more ...
