We are explaining Mazda’s i-Activsense as many Malaysians still have not totally understood what this suite of features in new Mazda can do for the driver.
Smart City Brake Support
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). This system operates at speeds between 4 and 30 km/h and uses a forward-pointing laser to detect a car up to 6 metres ahead. When it initially senses a collision is possible, it will first preload the brakes, which will reduce the reaction time as soon as you push on the brake pedal. If it determines that there is a risk of a collision with the car ahead, it will slow you down and if you don’t take any further action, it will apply the brakes and stop the car.
Forward Obstruction Warning
At higher speeds, forward-facing radar detects if there is a vehicle ahead, and if you approach it too quickly, the Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system will flash a “BRAKE” signal in the dashboard to call your attention ahead. Radar is also used in the adaptive cruise control system, helping maintain a preset distance between the vehicle ahead, adjustable from 25 to 50 metres in four increments.
Lane Departure Warning System
The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) uses a forward-facing camera to identify lines in the road and give an audible warning, through the sound system speakers, if you are drifting out of your lane.
High Beam Control
Other convenient systems include the High-Beam Control (HBC), which automatically switches the headlights from high beams to low beams at night when a vehicle approaches from the other direction, and turns the high beams on again after the vehicle has gone past. It also turns off the high beams automatically at speeds below 30 km/h or on well-lit roads. The Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) is used in the headlights, aiming the light beam into the direction of a turn.
Blind Sport Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); the first system warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot, the second warns you if a vehicle is approaching from either side when you are reversing your Mazda. Both systems use audio and visual cues to give warning.
Others Also Have It?
Most of these systems are available in one form or another from other manufacturers, but Mazda is the only company to offer the possibility of including all of the systems on a single model.