Posts Tagged fuel economy
Mazda Tribute Hybrid Review – The Pros and Cons
A first look at the new Mazda Tribute Hybrid might have you asking where the ‘zoom-zoom’ is. It certainly isn’t in the outdated looks, lackluster acceleration, or even in the apathetic braking. In fact, the 2008 Tribute Hybrid actually shares a lot more ‘built tough’ qualities with its Ford sibling, the Escape, than it does with the otherwise svelte Mazda lineup.
What the Mazda Tribute Hybrid does offer is impressive fuel economy, up to 34 miles per gallon in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. That’s a very impressive increase of 12 MPG in the city and a mild improvement of 2 MPG on the highway over the non hybrid Tribute.
Handling is surprisingly crisp and with 155 horses produced by the gasoline-electric engine provide adequate acceleration for city driving but aren’t enough to inspire confidence when passing on the highway. Add to this the mediocre braking and the Tribute Hybrid certainly won’t appeal to the lead-foot crowd.
The interior of the Tribute features little family resemblance to the esthetically pleasing controls and displays found in the ravishing CX-7 or Mazda6. The gauges are clear and feature blue backlighting, but there’s nothing definitively Mazda about the cabin other than the badges.
Seating is firm without being stiff, but the rear seat lacks any kind of fore/aft adjustment making it potentially uncomfortable. Add to that the multi-step process required to fold the rear seats down and the interior of the Tribute feels like an anachronism in a modern Hybrid.
Tags: acceleration, anachronism, backlighting, badges, family resemblance, fuel economy, gasoline, impressive increase, lead foot, mazda tribute, mazda tribute hybrid, mazda6, miles per gallon, rear seat, siblingRelated posts
Short Take – 2009 Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute is a prime example of a jointly developed vehicle that truly shines.
Built from the same platform that underpins the Mazda 626, the Tribute was designed by teams of Mazda and Ford designers who also developed the Ford Escape and, later, the Mercury Mariner. The Mazda version is the lowest price of the three models and features a sportier suspension.
When it originally made its debut in 2001, the Tribute featured a 2.0L I4 engine with an optional 3.0L V6 engine. Available in front and all wheel drive, the small SUV was slotted in as the brand’s smallest SUV. Prior to its introduction, the only SUVs sold by Mazda were rebadged versions of Ford products, namely the Mazda Navajo which was based on the Ford Explorer. Ford owns 38% of Mazda, hence the business relationship.
With a seating capacity for five passengers, the Tribute’s interior room offers abundant space for a small SUV. Flexible rear seating and an abundant cargo area provide plenty of carrying room with five storage areas within reach of the front passenger. A premium four-speaker 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system comes standard with upgraded sound systems available as is a rear seat entertainment system. Power windows and doors as well as keyless entry are standard.
The most current version of the Tribute now sports a base 2.3L I4 engine, though there are reports that the 2.5L I4 now found in the Escape will soon become available in the Tribute. That new Ford engine deliver more horsepower, better torque, and even improved fuel economy. A 3.0L V6 producing 200 horses is still available, the engine of choice for people who prefer all wheel drive. Transmissions offered include a five speed manual transmission and a four speed automatic. Electric power assisted rack and pinion steering is standard.
On the outside, a roof rack is standard as are 16-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass. The rear liftgate window swings high and out of the way, allowing even a tall person to access the cargo area or place items inside.
Base price for the 2wd model is $19,730 while the Grand Touring model with AWD and a V6 engine tops out at $27,635. A hybrid model is also available, its price starts at $30,695.
Main competitors for the Tribute include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan. End of the model year incentives are now in place for 2008 Tributes, but expect to receive some sort of discount or special financing should you choose a 2009 model.
Tags: 2008 tribute, alloy wheels, electric power, engine, fuel economy, glass, hybrid, keyless entry, manual transmission, marine, transmission, transmissions, tribute, tributes, Vehicle, Wheel, WheelsRelated posts
Know More About the 3 Best Hybrid Sports Cars
Hybrid Cars are undoubtedly the ‘cars of the era’. These green cars offer a bundle of advantages and are truly worth buying. However, owing to the growing popularity and increasing competition in the market, there are several hybrid car models offered by different car manufacturers in the market. If you are a sport car lover and can afford to invest a little more on your vehicle, consider buying the latest Hybrid Sports Cars.
Following is a brief description of the three best Hybrid Sports Cars available in the market:
1) Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept-E:
- It is an attractive 2-seater sports coupe from Mitsubishi.
- Its main features include a parallel hybrid motor, glass roof, and ultramodern interiors.
- It also features an all-wheel-drive system that allows parallel engines to supply energy to both the axles.
- It has a special hybrid engine, called the ‘E-Boost’, which helps the car to gain power even while changing gears.
- Connected with the E-Boost system is a 3.8 liter V6 underneath the hood that provides extra torque while driving.
- The E-Boost Electric Motor of the car produces nearly 200 odd horsepower.
- Total Power Output: 470 horsepower
2) Subaru B9 Scrambler:
- It makes use of both, a hybrid engine and a gas-powered engine. Whenever the charge drops below the optimum level, the gas engine is turned up automatically and also acts as a generator.
- This sports car comes with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that supplies energy to both the axles.
- It also features variable-height air suspension with automatic self-leveling.
- Its 2.0 Liter SOHC flat-four engine supplies the extra power whenever needed.
- 3) Mazda Ibuki:
- It features a 16-valve MZR 1.6-liter DOHC inline four cylinder engine.
- Additional power and the necessary torque for accelerating from a standstill is provided by its unique electrical hybrid motor.
- Its engine shuts down automatically when the car comes to a sustained stop. This makes this model highly fuel-efficient.
- Its unique ‘Regenerative Braking System’ allows the batteries to get recharged automatically.
Thus, if you are willing to buy a sports car and looking for fuel economy at the same time, you can consider the above three Hybrid Sports Cars.
Tags: batteries, best hybrid, car model, car models, engine, fuel economy, glass, green car, green cars, hybrid, hybrid car, hybrid car models, hybrid cars, hybrid engine, hybrid sports car, r sport, r sports, rent car, sport car, sports car, sports cars, Vehicle, WheelRelated posts