SUN VALLEY, IDAHO - Not everyone remembers it, but Mazda had a sport-utility vehicle before: the Navajo, which expired in 1994 after four years on the market. After that, Mazda stayed away from the SUV fold. Now, the Japanese-brand automaker is back on the SUV track, with a well-done compact model that lives up to its promise.

Mazda has "almost got a twinkle in its eye," said Steven Odell, vice president of marketing and sales, who joined Mazda last winter after a stint at Jaguar. It "doesn't seem to conform to" the usual Japanese brands. "People associate Mazda with smaller, sportier cars."

"We're not members of the truck side of the equation," Odell advised when describing the new Tribune, which is expected to compete in the mini-SUV segment. Focus-group members who saw the Tribute a while back and learned about its specs considered it to be closer to a compact in size. According to Odell, they also said they preferred Tribute to various rivals, calling it "more refined, less bulky, classy-looking, and sporty."

Sportiness is the key. In fact, Mazda is promoting Tribute not so much for its practical qualities but as "the SUV with the soul of a sports car." A current ad goes so far as to ask: "What would happen if an SUV were raised by a family of sports cars?"

Buyers who are likeliest to fall for Tribute are said to cling to such themes as: "Live smart, look sharp." Rather than merely selling cars, Odell explained, "I think we're in the business of matching lifestyles."

Tribute design emphasizes "contrast in harmony," said Jay Amestoy, vice president for public & government affairs. The new SUV features "sharp edges, rounded curves, light shadow." Mazda's recently-introduced "OptiSpace" configuration promises to put a big interior into a small exterior package. As for Vehicle Dynamics, Mazda has sought "best-in-class" steering/handling, in both response and feel (with the Miata sports car as the benchmark).

Braking also should be best-in-class. Engineers sought a ride that would be comfortable but firm, even taut, "always biased toward the sporty end of the spectrum." Performance feel should be rated as quick in response and confidence-inspiring.

Powertrains and features

Two engines are available, both California LEV (low-emissions-vehicle) certified. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder is tuned for performance at low and midrange speeds. Standard in the DX model, the 16-valve four produces 130 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque, with a 23/28-mpg EPA fuel-economy rating.

Installed in the DX V-6, LX, and ES models is a 24-valve, dual-overhead-cam 3.0-liter V-6, developing 200 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque (on 10:1 compression). Its four-speed automatic transmission is said to have "unique calibration." The V-6 earns an 18/24-mpg EPA rating. Basic engine design is Ford's (Duratec and Zedec). Mazda expects 80 percent of Tributes to have the V-6 engine.

The four-cylinder DX has a standard five-speed manual transmission, or optional four-speed automatic. Tributes with the V-6 engine are automatic-only.

Tributes can be front-drive or have optional on-demand four-wheel drive, which employs a rotary blade coupling. Up to 50 percent of torque goes to rear wheels when front wheels start to slip. An optional trailer-tow package for V-6 models can haul up to 3500 pounds.

Underneath, Tributes use front struts and a multi-link rear suspension. Engine-speed-sensing rack-and-pinion steering is standard. Four-sensor, four-channel ABS with electronic brake force distribution is available on LX and EX models. DX Tributes ride 215/70R16 tires, whereas LX/ES models get 235/70R16 rubber on alloy wheels. Stiffness of the monocoque body is claimed to be similar to Mazda's Millenia sedan (and 60 percent stiffer than Honda's CR-V).

As for safety, front pre-tensioners with load limiters are standard, as are ISOFIX anchors and tether anchors on the roof. Side airbags are optional.

How does Tribute differ from Ford's Escape? Tribute's automatic transmission is unique, for one, said to have a "more aggressive shift schedule." Suspension tuning also is different, and steering feel is said to be sharper, in keeping with Mazda's sporty image.

Lower-body sections are fully painted (not matte surface, as on so many vehicles today). LX and ES models get standard foglamps. Side marker lights ahead of the door go on with the turn signal. Inside are six grab handles. A temporary-type spare tire (on a full-size wheel) sits under the floor.

Heading north through scenic Idaho

Super-tight handling is just about the first trait noticed when behind the wheel of a Tribute. This SUV really does grab the road surface almost like a sports car. Highly confident response in curves makes the driver feel the vehicle is capable of notably more than you're asking of it. Steering feel is sport sedan-like: positive, precise, confident.

Ride comfort on Idaho's smooth pavement is very nice. It's hard to say how it will handle bumps in Detroit or Chicago, but you can feel the firmness even when going over modest imperfections.

Acceleration at high altitudes, when heading uphill, is hardly phenomenal. The mountain-area driver must exercise considerable care when passing.

For flatter terrain, however, the V-6 Tribute offers all the performance a person is likely to need. Pickup is rather strong from a standstill, though it drops somewhat when the automatic transmission shifts into second gear. To pass, reponse is quick, though a double-downshift can produce a bit of rearing-back and a little delay.

Seats also are sporty, and visibility is top-notch. Space is abundant inside. Though low-mounted, the glovebox is pretty ample.

How much, how many, for whom?

Prices start at $17,005 for the DX model, topping out around $25,000 for a four-wheel-drive ES with leather upholstery. Left-hand-drive Tributes are produced in Kansas City; right-hand-drive models are built in Japan.

Launched in mid-July, the Tribute is expected to see only moderate sales in the 2000 calendar year: on the order of 20,000 units. For 2001, the number is expected to rise to 35,000. That's still well below anticipated sales for Ford's Escape, which is built on the same basic platform and also went on sale this summer. Tribute is Mazda's first full collaboration with Ford in terms of R&D work.

Although Tribute targets young married couples in their mid-30s, Steve Odell made a simple and refreshing statement regarding demographics: "Frankly, whoever wants to buy one can have one."