The weather being as balmy as it has been on the West Coast this year I didn't have an opportunity to experience the how well the new 4WD system works in snow, but I did play

The 2005 Tribute sports a new front fascia that incorporates an updated Mazda grille and redesigned headlights. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

around with the new standard ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) system on the i trim level. I tested the brakes out in the sun and rain and it preformed quite well. Although ABS with EBD is standard, the model still only comes with front discs and rear drums. Exterior styling has also undergone a minor metamorphosis. The 2005 Tribute sports a new front fascia that incorporates an updated Mazda grille and redesigned headlights. The rear fascia also spells sporty with its new vertical taillight design and rear liftgate with flip-up glass.

The front fascia wraps nicely around the front fenders into new wheel arch molding designs, sectioned side trim, body-colored power remote sideview mirrors and rocker panel moldings. Under the restyled wheel arches

The Tribute now incorporates added sound absorption panels and tighter seals to reduce cabin noise. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

are an updated set of 235/70R16 all-season tires and 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (complete with a full size spare). The wheel and tire combination complements the new exterior upgrades making it, to me, more attractive and cleaner looking. The lines and curves mesh well together and give the Tribute a classy, yet still sporty undertone. But the upgrades don't stop with exterior styling. The Tribute now incorporates added sound absorption panels and tighter seals to reduce cabin noise, while a reconfigured balance shaft reduces engine vibration. The improved refinement makes the SUV fairly quiet inside at idle as well as cruising speeds, but when I stepped on the throttle the engine became a bit on the loud side as it reached the upper revs.