Compact trucks from Mazda repeat in 2006 with three cab configurations and three powertrain choices. The two-door Regular Cab works for all B2300 and several B3000 issues, with a four-door extended CabPlus for B3000, and CabPlus4 for some B3000 and all B4000 models with twin rear-hinged back doors.

Top truck B4000 with 4WD also has a husky six-pack that ripples with 207 hp. This optional engine caps Mazda's B-Series truck line and bumps its trailer-towing ability to 5900 pounds. Two other powertrains are offered -- B2300 with a 2.3-liter four-in-line worth 140 hp and B3000 with a 3.0-liter V6 at 150 hp.

Special edition Dual Sport carries the raised suspension of a 4WD truck but retains rear-wheel-drive (RWD) format. It also has plush equipment like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power to move windows and door locks and mirrors, and a bed liner in back.

The line of Mazda, that "Zoom-Zoom" brand from Japan, expands in 2006 with more sport-tuned vehicles added. Mazda's MX-5 Miata roadster evolves in a new design with more power below the hood, while new Mazda5 emerges as a multi-activity vehicle with ride traits of a sporty car but the cabin of a SUV with three rows of seats for sixriders.

Even the sport-utility vehicle from Mazda is fun to drive. Built on the chassis of a front-wheel-drive (FWD) car, Tribute has a tightly tuned suspension and a forceful engine that set up sporty driving traits.

Tribute first appeared in Mazda's line of 2001 but last year it gained a new 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine worth 153 hp for the base trim, Tribute i. Tribute s edition continues in 2006 stocking a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 200 hp.

Safety gear like ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) comes with either trim, and a full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system with active torque control coupling (ATCC) is optional.

The line of Mazda, that "Zoom-Zoom" brand from Japan, expands in 2006 with more sport-tuned vehicles added. Mazda's MX-5 Miata roadster evolves in a new design with more power below the hood, while new Mazda5 emerges as a multi-activity vehicle with ride traits of a sporty car but the cabin of a SUV with three rows of seats for six riders.

Mazda's compact-size minivan goes by the name of MPV, which means Multi-Purpose Vehicle. It scored a face-lift and fresh cabin fixtures in 2004 and moves into Mazda's 2006 line with additional hues on the color palette like Bronze Metal and Strato Blue.

MPV's cabin contains two tall bucket seats in front flanking consoles on floor and ceiling. On the second row, seats split and slide laterally to form either a continuous bench for two or two stand-alone chairs. The third-row bench, sized for three but more comfortable for two, folds down and disappears into a flat floor to increase rear cargo space.

Power sliding rear side doors are optional on MPV, with side-impact air bags plus TCS available in a package. MPV feels enthusiastic because it carries a 3.0-liter V6 that generates 200 hp.

The line of Mazda, that "Zoom-Zoom" brand from Japan, expands in 2006 with more sport-tuned vehicles added. Mazda's MX-5 Miata roadster evolves in a new design with more power below the hood, while new Mazda5 emerges as a multi-activity vehicle with ride traits of a sporty car but the cabin of a SUV with three rows of seats for six riders.

Compact-class cars from Mazda look muscular in the promise of spirited performance and dynamic handling traits. And they bring optimal space in a five-seat cabin plus lively throttle action from two different four-cylinder engines.

Mazda3 4-door skews as a four-door notchback sedan with two trims packing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder plant (Mazda3i) or a 2.3-liter upgrade (Mazda3s). Mazda3s 5-Door is a five-door hatchback variation with the 2.3-liter plant. For 2006 issues Mazda adds variable valve timing (VVT) to the 2.0-liter engine and boosts power to 150 hp. The 2.3-liter version hits 160 hp and has an optional new five-speed automatic.

Mazda3 5-door wears foglamps, low side skirts and 17-inch alloy wheels. All models offeran optional audio kit rigged for Sirius satellite radio service.

The line of Mazda, that "Zoom-Zoom" brand from Japan, expands in 2006 with more sport-tuned vehicles added. Mazda's MX-5 Miata roadster evolves in a new design with more power below the hood, while new Mazda5 emerges as a multi-activity vehicle with ride traits of a sporty car but the cabin of a SUV with three rows of seats for six riders.

Consider this new model the quickest and most agile sports sedan ever made by Mazda. It's based on a Mazda6 four-door sedan but features a turbo-charged and inter-cooled engine with all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction plus standard dynamic stability control (DSC) program.

A 2.3-liter DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbo four-pack screams with 264 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The AWD device divides all of that torque and routes half to the front wheels and half to the rear.

Styling of the body varies from Mazda6 with the addition of unique fascias front and rear, revamped forward fenders, curvy side sills and a spoiler on the tail. The cabin earns bolstered sport buckets, sill scuff plates with stainless-steel inserts and aluminum pedals, and a cool Bose audio system.

The line of Mazda, that "Zoom-Zoom" brand from Japan, expands in 2006 with more sport-tuned vehicles added. Mazda's MX-5 Miata roadster evolves in a new design with more power below the hood, while new Mazda5 emerges as a multi-activity vehicle with ride traits of a sporty car but the cabin of a SUV with three rows of seats for six riders.