Mazda begins 2008 Sale of HEV Hybrid Tribute

Spenny · 09-09-2007, 01:41 PM

IRVINE, Calif. — Joining the ranks of other brands offering gasoline/electric hybrid SUVs, Mazda began selling its 2008 Tribute HEV at the end of last month, but only in California.

The "full" hybrid can travel on electric power alone up to about 25 mph, but the air-conditioner must not be running, and crawling away from a stop is the only way to avoid starting the gasoline engine.

Acceleration from the combined performance of the Tribute HEV's 2.3-liter 113-horsepower inline-4 cylinder engine and its 70kW (approximately 94 hp) electric motor is comparable to that of the otherwise available 3.0-liter 200-hp V6 in a 2008 Tribute S. But driven carefully, the Tribute HEV can achieve an almost 75 percent improvement in the EPA's city-cycle fuel economy test.

The EPA has rated the FWD Tribute HEV at 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 29/27 for AWD models.

Mazda says it has already sold seven of the 350 hybrids it initially plans to offer at selected Mazda dealerships in the state. Prices have been set at $25,905 for a base Touring model with front-wheel drive and climb to $30,165 for a Grand Touring AWD version. The most costly option is a $1,200 DVD-based navigation system.

Those who purchase a FWD Tribute HEV may enjoy a $3,000 tax credit, while those who prefer AWD will receive a $2,500 credit. Either way, the credit effectively erases the slight price increase over the standard gasoline Tribute.

Admittedly, Mazda says it had very little to do with the engineering of the midsize SUV, which is effectively a rebadged 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid with a Mazda grille.

What this means to you: Sport-utility guilt got you down? Try a new Mazda Tribute HEV and order a green one.

Mindcore · 09-09-2007, 03:49 PM

I was just going to ask the question till I got the second last line.. this is basically the Ford rebadged.

Either way, It's good that Mazda is adding it to the stable.

craig linton · 10-12-2007, 09:42 PM

Careful about the term "green". The enviromental cost of hybrid batteries may outweigh the marginal increase in fuel economy.
There are a few studies being done now on the environmental impact of vehicles including design, manufacturing, life expectancy and of course fuel economy. It looks like fuel economy is a relatively small part of the equation (10 - 20%?), while the manufacturing process (mining raw materials, smelting, making plastics...) makes up the majority.
One study in europe concluded the most environmentally friendly vehicle on sale there was a Jeep 4X4! Durable, tough, very fixable leading to a long life expectancy which vastly lowers the overall emmissions since much fewer raw materials are needed to produce a new vehicle.

Mindcore · 10-12-2007, 10:40 PM

That's a great point. I actually read it as it being the Hummer was the most economical over time.

I think hybrids et.al right now are a necessary step to the next level. So while they might not be the perfect solution, they are paving the way to something that will actually be better all round.

craig linton · 10-14-2007, 10:22 PM

I agree as well - hybrid technology needs to be advanced, but I feel that it is really only a stop-gap measure until fuel cell technology is marketable, or until battery technology advances to no longer necessitate an engine as backup. Hybrids will of course advance the cause.

Spenny · 10-18-2007, 02:55 PM

That is a great point, these hybrids aren't quite as green as people would have you believe, and for how much more you pay for them, that's 3-4 years of gas anyway.

But...as you guys say, it's a good stepping stone to better technology. Eventually gas engines will be seen on the concourse, not on the street

09-09-2007, 01:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
Spenny Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 56	Mazda begins 2008 Sale of HEV Hybrid Tribute IRVINE, Calif. — Joining the ranks of other brands offering gasoline/electric hybrid SUVs, Mazda began selling its 2008 Tribute HEV at the end of last month, but only in California. The "full" hybrid can travel on electric power alone up to about 25 mph, but the air-conditioner must not be running, and crawling away from a stop is the only way to avoid starting the gasoline engine. Acceleration from the combined performance of the Tribute HEV's 2.3-liter 113-horsepower inline-4 cylinder engine and its 70kW (approximately 94 hp) electric motor is comparable to that of the otherwise available 3.0-liter 200-hp V6 in a 2008 Tribute S. But driven carefully, the Tribute HEV can achieve an almost 75 percent improvement in the EPA's city-cycle fuel economy test. The EPA has rated the FWD Tribute HEV at 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 29/27 for AWD models. Mazda says it has already sold seven of the 350 hybrids it initially plans to offer at selected Mazda dealerships in the state. Prices have been set at $25,905 for a base Touring model with front-wheel drive and climb to $30,165 for a Grand Touring AWD version. The most costly option is a $1,200 DVD-based navigation system. Those who purchase a FWD Tribute HEV may enjoy a $3,000 tax credit, while those who prefer AWD will receive a $2,500 credit. Either way, the credit effectively erases the slight price increase over the standard gasoline Tribute. Admittedly, Mazda says it had very little to do with the engineering of the midsize SUV, which is effectively a rebadged 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid with a Mazda grille. What this means to you: Sport-utility guilt got you down? Try a new Mazda Tribute HEV and order a green one.

09-09-2007, 03:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mindcore Administrator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Look Out!!! Posts: 1,299	I was just going to ask the question till I got the second last line.. this is basically the Ford rebadged. Either way, It's good that Mazda is adding it to the stable. __________________ core Mazda Forums .

10-12-2007, 10:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mindcore Administrator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Look Out!!! Posts: 1,299	That's a great point. I actually read it as it being the Hummer was the most economical over time. I think hybrids et.al right now are a necessary step to the next level. So while they might not be the perfect solution, they are paving the way to something that will actually be better all round. __________________ core Mazda Forums .

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10-12-2007, 09:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
craig linton Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4	Careful about the term "green". The enviromental cost of hybrid batteries may outweigh the marginal increase in fuel economy. There are a few studies being done now on the environmental impact of vehicles including design, manufacturing, life expectancy and of course fuel economy. It looks like fuel economy is a relatively small part of the equation (10 - 20%?), while the manufacturing process (mining raw materials, smelting, making plastics...) makes up the majority. One study in europe concluded the most environmentally friendly vehicle on sale there was a Jeep 4X4! Durable, tough, very fixable leading to a long life expectancy which vastly lowers the overall emmissions since much fewer raw materials are needed to produce a new vehicle.

10-14-2007, 10:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
craig linton Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4	I agree as well - hybrid technology needs to be advanced, but I feel that it is really only a stop-gap measure until fuel cell technology is marketable, or until battery technology advances to no longer necessitate an engine as backup. Hybrids will of course advance the cause.

10-18-2007, 02:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
Spenny Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 56	That is a great point, these hybrids aren't quite as green as people would have you believe, and for how much more you pay for them, that's 3-4 years of gas anyway. But...as you guys say, it's a good stepping stone to better technology. Eventually gas engines will be seen on the concourse, not on the street