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Mazda Tribute Hybrid
2008
Originally thought to be a rebadged Ford Escape Hybrid for the 2007 model year, Mazda has decided against offering a Tribute Hybrid until the next generation Mazda Tribute is offered in early to mid 2007 as a 2008 model. The Tribute will be entirely absent from Mazda's lineup for the 2007 model year.
There had been a rumour that the Mariner, Escape and Tribute will use the CD3 platform, however, others speculate the new generation of compact SUVs will arrive built from a version of the CD3 platform called CD3-2. The CD3 (for "C/D-class") is Ford's global midsize car automobile platform. It was designed by Mazda in association with Ford and debuted with the Mazda6 sedan in early 2003. Mazda refers to the CD3 platform as GG/GY. The platform is designed for either front or all-wheel drive. Ford remains committed to a Hybrid powertrain offering on this platform. Ford insiders claim that this platform, is primarily for the North American market. Mazda already has a new SUV utilizing the CD3 platform, the Mazda CX-7. The CD3-2 platform is expected to be redesigned for the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 replacement. Ford Motor Company, who own Land Rover, have a higher-end compact SUV on the EUCD platform. Originally known as "C1-Plus", EUCD was chosen by Ford's European operations instead of the Mazda-designed CD3 platform due to the large number of components shared with the smaller C1. Another factor was reportedly the inability of the CD3 to accept Volvo's inline-5 and inline-6 engines. It appears previous plans to distance the LR2's predecessor, the Land Rover Freelander from its platform siblings, Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute have gone through. The 3.0L V6 may be revised or supplemented with the 3.5L V6 debuting in the Ford Edge, to keep pace with other offerings in the segment. Expect the Hybrid to utilize an improved version of the Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder powertrain and a larger permanent magnet electric traction motor.
Inside, the interior is expected to get a significant upgrade with higher quality materials and revised instrument console. This should end critisisms of cheap construction and poor design.
Pricing
Expect Mazda Tribute Hybrid pricing to be comparable to Ford Escape Hybrid pricing. This is easy to assume, noting the pricing similarities amoung the two siblings currently. Do not expect a large price increase, in spite of the number of improvements inherent in the new and improved design. The number of competitors in the marketplace will place negative pressure on any attempts of a price increase. Hybrid models will continue to be priced atop the four-cylinder and V6 powered variants. Ford the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, that means pricing around the $25,000 - $30,000 range.
