Mazda speeds up the production of the Tribute Hybrid
Mazda introduced the Tribute hybrid at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show and initially sold it in small quantities in California. The first customers must have been happy and it seems that the hybrid SUV has now proven what it's capable of. The Tribute hybrid is
The Tribute is a full time hybrid which can run in EV mode up to 25 mph and has an I4 2.3 liter engine good for 133 HP, complemented by a 93HP electric engine mated to Nickel-Cadmium batteries. The car meets California's strict Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle requirements by achieving Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II standards. Mileage is 34/30 mpg (hwy/city).
Gallery: Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV
[Edited: The Tribute is only sold in CA]
[Source: SF Chronicle via Leblogauto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bill 5:56PM (4/22/2008)
Well, it's the same thing as a Ford Escape Hybrid... Surprised that wasn't mentioned in the article.
--Bill
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Chris 6:12PM (4/22/2008)
For those that haven't noticed...
The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mazda Tribute Hybrid all have identical drivetrains. They share very similar interiors/options with the major differences being external cosmetics. Drivers should see near identical performance in all categories regarding interior room, emissions and fuel economy.
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Bill 7:03PM (4/22/2008)
That's 34 city, 30 highway
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2008_Mazda_Tribute.shtml
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Dave 7:11PM (4/22/2008)
BTW, the battery used in the Mazda is a NiMH unit, not a NiCad as suggested in the sumary.
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Whopper 2:19PM (4/23/2008)
Bill & Chris, no surprise the Ford and Merc versions were not mentioned. US manufacturers are the evil-doers in the eyes of the majority on this site.
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Xavier Navarro 4:23PM (4/24/2008)
Whopper: Believe it or not, Ford mentioned Mazda and not the other two brands. But other readers seem to have made the right assumption - they're badge engineered versions of the same car.
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