IT LOOKS as if all the stops are being pulled out for a grand revival of the Mazda range of models. The past 12-months have really been ones of marking time, while the United Kingdom importers, MCL, relinquished their hold on the franchise.

Now Mazda operations are back with Mazda and Ford, who have a controlling interest.

Knowing that its days were numbered MCL did not go overboard in marketing its Mazda models, and this year's UK overall sales are expected to bomb to a dismal 15,000, a real confidence blow after such glory years when sales topped 24,500.

But, a fairy-tale revival is on the cards, especially with the introduction of realigned prices, and extra incentives for dealers.

Within three years a sales target of 42,000 annually has been set.

Wishful thinking possibly, but price realignment could see savings of as much as £2,000 on some models, as well as all getting a much-improved specification list.

Mazda's production diary shows that there will be a face-lifted Premacy MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) towards the end of the year, followed next year by a summer replacement for the 626 which will also signal a move away from the number identification system adopted for most of its cars.

Mazda is seen as a centre of excellence for Ford group engine testing, and the new units being fitted into the successor to the 626, a 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre, will also be used in Fords, Volvo and Land Rovers. A diesel is promised for later.

A three-litre unit will also be built, but this is planned solely for the American market.

Looking further ahead, the exciting RX8 which was seen in concept form earlier this year will be going into production and is expected to arrive at United Kingdom dealerships in 2003.

An earlier arrival will be a replacement Demio, the city car, which will be built alongside the new Ford Fiesta. A replacement for the present 323 is also on the cards.

Meanwhile, Mazda has launched its replacement MX5 sports car, and just arrived in the UK is its all-new Tribute sports utility.

With its links to Ford, there is more than a touch of Maverick about the Tribute, but the biggest difference is in the price: Tribute, with an entry-level price of £15,995 on the road, is around £2,000 cheaper.

The Tribute provides a comfortable road ride on its four-wheel independent suspension.

There were no testing facilities for off-roading, but the on-demand four-wheel drive system, operated by a dashboard-mounted switch, features special coupling and lock functioning.

By monitoring the difference in speed between front and rear axles, the permanently available four-wheel drive system automatically detects when the front wheels start to lose their grip. It then transfers power to the rear wheels for extra traction, probably a significant benefit that most owners will never really need.

On reflection for those who would not dream of going off-road but like the utility, then it makes sense to go for the two-wheeler and save some cash, on price and fuel.

There are four specification models available, each aimed at answering a distinct customer requirement, and in line with the company's pledge to deliver a highly-competitive package and price.

Three of them are 2.0-litre five-speed manual gearshift models all powered by engines producing 124bhp. The fourth, and flagship model, is the 3.0-litre V6, the only automatic of the bunch, powered by a unit producing 197hp.

Missing is a diesel, but a new common rail unit for economy driving is in the Mazda/Ford pipeline, and could find its way into the Tribute.

The entry-level £15,995 model, the 2.0-litre GXi, is in two-wheel drive form only; the four-wheel drive GXi is £16,995 on the road, with the GSi model £17,995. The V6 all-wheel drive is £21,495.

Designed and built in Japan, the Tribute carries the distinctive exterior styling, including Mazda's family face with its prominent five-point grille and large chrome brand symbol.

It is available in a variety of two-tone paint jobs, black, white, red or green, and a variety of blues and silvers.

Performance is pretty brisk and precise with responsive acceleration on tap when needed.

Cabin comfort is good, lots of room for the driver and front passenger and acceptable rear seat room.

Getting in and out is easy, too, mainly due to the low step-in height as well as the large door openings.

All models have air conditioning, remote central locking, engine immobiliser, security alarm, power windows, door mirrors and aerial, power steering, stereo radio/cassette audio system, steering wheel tilt adjustment plus a driver's seat offering height adjustment and lumbar support.

Safety measures include dual airbags, front seat-mounted side air bags and a four-wheel anti-lock brake system with electronic brake force distribution.

The car-like monocoque construction incorporates Mazda's own body reinforcements in the roof, sides and floor to improve body rigidity.

Specification levels have the 2.0-litre GSi and 3.0-litre V6 riding on alloy wheels, with electric sunroof, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control switches, retractable luggage area cover, plus front foglamps. Additionally, the modular audio system fitted to the GSi includes a single CD player, while that in the V6 has a six-disc autochanger.

The V6 also has leather upholstery, an option for the GSi.

There are plenty of cabin storage compartments, including door bins, central arm rest with stowage area underneath, coin holder, sunglass holder in the roof, and floor mounted cupholders.

More importantly is the reasonably large luggage area behind the rear seats, which can be added to by folding the back seats into a 60/40 split.

The top-hinged tailgate helps make loading easier, but if smaller items need to be put away, then the glass window can handily be opened separately.