The 2.3-litre four-cylinder powered Tributes benefit from the addition of an electronic throttle and sequential valve timing, producing both a smoother initial acceleration input while also boosting torque delivery from the low to the mid rev range.

The engine develops 109 kilowatts at 6000rpm, while the torque peak of 199Nm arrives 500rpm lower in the rev range at 4000rpm.

The addition of a Closed Coupling Catalyst (CCC) has cut the engine's exhaust emissions to Euro Stage III levels.

Incorporating a linear oxygen sensor to monitor absolute fuel/air ratios and a Ramda oxygen sensor behind the CCC - this ensures stable control of exhaust gases over extended periods - greatly reduces both HC and NOx levels.

Mazda's 2.3-litre engine also gains a next-generation alternator, which not only reduces under bonnet noise, it is also more powerful and efficient.

Mechanical changes to the SUV wagon's 152 kilowatt 3.0-litre V6's torque converter and revised transmission shift points have improved average fuel economy by a significant 10.6 per cent.

The upgrades have cut the V6-powered Tribute's average fuel consumption from 12.2L/100km to 10.9L/100km on the ADR 81/01 test cycle.

The 60 degree V6 engine, which produces 276Nm of torque at 4750rpm, is Euro Stage III complaint.

Other updates to the engine include the move from a dual to a single piece electric fan, the engine head cover is now aluminium and the water pump has moved from the intake to the exhaust side. These changes help reduce under bonnet NVH.

The V6 and four-cylinder engines mate to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

The powerful and torquey V6 has helped Tribute, which competes in a market swamped by four-cylinder rivals, earn a reputation as one of the most capable off-roaders in its class.

With ground clearance ranging from 201mm to 214mm depending on model and tyre specification and short front and rear overhangs, the Tribute can venture further off-road than many of its rivals.

Approach angles for example vary between 29.1 degrees and 30.2 degrees.

To maximise traction, Tribute is equipped with an on-demand four-wheel-drive system that gives it all-road, all-weather capability. Called "Rotary Blade Coupling" it quickly activates when conditions, both on road and off, demand.

The four-wheel-drive system automatically senses when the front wheels begin to slip and hydraulically transfers power to the rear wheels for improved traction.

This seamless transfer of up to 50 percent of the engine's torque ensures that additional traction is on hand when the driver needs it.

For added off-road performance, a dash-mounted switch activates an electro-magnetic coupling, enabling the driver to lock the system in four-wheel drive, spreading engine power and torque 50/50 front to rear.

Like other Mazdas, the Tribute, which features MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, delivers first-class handling, steering and ride comfort.

Revised damper settings have further improved the Tribute's handling stability and ride comfort.

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard and delivers exceptional road feel and responsiveness. The steering also benefits from a front-end tweak with a revised layout for the stabilizer control links producing a kingpin steering moment that is close to zero, boosting on-centre steering feel, while the wheel smoothly returns to centre.

Rigid monocoque construction provides a solid foundation for the Tribute and incorporates Mazda's "Triple-H" body reinforcements in the roof, sides and floor
to further enhance safety and rigidity.