i-ACTIVSENSE is a collective term covering a series of advanced safety and driver support systems which make use of a Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and radar sensors. These systems consist of active safety and pre-crash safety systems.
These systems are designed to assist the driver in safer driving by reducing the load on the driver and helping to avert collisions or reduce their severity. However, because each system has its limitations, always drive carefully and do not rely solely on the systems.
Active Safety Technology supports safer driving by helping the driver to recognise potential hazards and avert accidents.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Left/right side and rear side detection
Inter-vehicle distance recognition
Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space
Driver support systems
Inter-vehicle distance
Speed control
Pre-crash safety technology is designed to assist the driver in averting collisions or reduce their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.
Collision damage reduction in low vehicle speed range
Forward driving
Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range
Forward sensing camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahead of the vehicle while travelling at night and detects traffic lanes. The following systems also use the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windscreen near the rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) (Search).
Radar sensor (front)
The radar sensor (front) functions by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead sent from the radar sensor. The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The radar sensor (front) is mounted behind the radiator grille.
Refer to Radar Sensor (Front) (Search).
Laser sensor (front)
The laser sensor (front) emits a near-infrared laser beam and receives the beam reflected off the reflective surface of a vehicle in front, and the detected beam is then used for measurement. The following systems also use the laser sensor (front).
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The laser sensor (front) is installed at the top of the windscreen near the rearview mirror.
Refer to Laser Sensor (Front) (Search).
Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensors. The following systems also use the radar sensors (rear).
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) (Search).
The High Beam Control System (HBC) operates to switch the headlights automatically between high and low beams after the ignition is switched ON and the headlight switch is in the AUTO and high beam position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines that it is dark based on the brightness of the surrounding area. At the same time, the High Beam Control System (HBC) indicator light (green) in the instrument cluster illuminates.
When the vehicle speed is 30 km/h (18 mph) or higher, the headlights automatically switch to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opposite direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the High Beam Control System (HBC) switches the headlights to low beams.
The low beams may not switch to high beams when cornering.
Operation of the High Beam Control System (HBC) function can be disabled. Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC) indicator light (Green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC) indicator light (Green) turns off and the is illuminated.
The LDWS system notifies the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane.
The system detects the white or yellow lines on the traffic lane using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and if it determines that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane, it notifies the driver using the active driving display (vehicles with active driving display), and by flashing the LDWS warning light and activating the LDWS warning beep.
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle on roads with white or yellow lines.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (Search).
The warning light illuminates when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights (Search).
Do not use the LDWS under the following conditions:
The system may not operate adequately according to the actual driving conditions, resulting in an accident.
Driving on roads with tight curves.
Driving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
The functions of the LDWS have limitations:
Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive with care. The system is not designed to compensate for a driver’s lack of caution and if you rely too much on the LDWS it could lead to an accident. The driver is responsible for assuring lane changes and other manoeuvres. Always pay attention to the direction in which the vehicle is travelling and the vehicle’s surroundings.
Do not modify the suspension. If the vehicle height or the damping force of the suspensions is changed, the LDWS may not operate correctly.
If your vehicle deviates from its traffic lane, the LDWS operates (warning sound and indicator light). Steer the vehicle adequately to drive the vehicle to the centre of the lane.
When the direction indicator lever is operated for a lane change, the LDWS warning is automatically cancelled. The LDWS warning becomes operable when the direction indicator lever is returned and the system detects the white or yellow lines.
If the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abruptly and the vehicle moves close to a white or yellow line, the system determines that the driver is making a lane change and the LDWS warning is automatically cancelled.
The LDWS may not operate during the period immediately after the vehicle has deviated from its lane and the LDWS has operated, or the vehicle deviates from its lane repeatedly within a short period of time.
The LDWS does not operate if it does not detect the white or yellow lines of the traffic lane.
Under the following conditions, the LDWS may not be able to detect white or yellow lines correctly and the LDWS may not operate correctly.
If an object placed on the instrument panel is reflected in the windscreen and picked up by the camera.
Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the vehicle is inclined.
The tyre pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.
When the vehicle is driven on the entry and exit to or from the rest area or tollgate of a highway.
The white or yellow lines are less visible because of dirt or paint flaking.
The vehicle ahead is running near a white or yellow line and the line is less visible.
A white or yellow line is less visible because of bad weather (rain, fog, or snow).
The vehicle is driven on a temporary lane or section with a closed lane due to construction.
A misleading line is picked up on the road such as a temporary line for construction, or because of shade, lingering snow, or grooves filled with water.
The surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a tunnel.
The illumination of the headlights is weakened because of dirt or the optical axis is deviated.
The windscreen is dirty or foggy.
Back-light is reflecting from the road surface.
The road surface is wet and shiny after rain, or there are puddles on the road.
The shade of a guardrail parallel to a white or yellow line is on the road.
The width of a lane is excessively narrow or wide.
The road is excessively uneven.
The vehicle is shaken after hitting a road bump.
There are two or more adjacent white or yellow lines.
There are various road markings or lane markings of various shapes near an intersection.
The system goes on operation standby when the LDWS switch is pressed and the LDWS OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off. For vehicles equipped with the active driving display, the driving lane (border lines) is indicated in the display.
Indication on display
Drive the vehicle in the centre of the driving lane while the LDWS OFF indicator light is turned off. The system becomes operational when all of the following conditions are met.
The vehicle is driven in the centre of the driving lane with the white or yellow lines on the left and right sides, or on either side.
The vehicle speed is 70 km/h (44 mph) or faster.
The vehicle is driven on a straight road or road with gentle curves.
For vehicles equipped with the active driving display, the driving lane is indicated in the display.
Indication on display
The LDWS does not operate in the following cases:
The system cannot detect white or yellow lines.
The vehicle speed is less than 65 km/h (40 mph).
The vehicle is making a sharp curve.
The vehicle is making a curve at an inadequate speed.
The LDWS does not operate until the system detects a white or yellow line on either the left or right.
When the system detects a white or yellow line on one side only, the system will activate the warning only when the vehicle deviates on the side where the white or yellow line is being detected.
The distance and warning sensitivity (likelihood of a warning) which the system uses to determine the possibility of a lane departure can be changed.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
Auto cancel
In the following cases, the LDWS cancels automatically and the LDWS warning light in the instrument cluster turns on.
The temperature inside the camera is high or low.
The windscreen around the camera is foggy.
The windscreen around the camera is blocked by an obstruction, causing poor forward visibility.
For vehicles equipped with the active driving display, the lane (border lines) is indicated in the display. The LDWS is enabled automatically when the operation conditions are met, and the LDWS warning light turns off.
Auto cancel warning
When the following operations are performed, the LDWS determines that the driver intends to make a lane change and the LDWS warning is cancelled automatically. The LDWS is enabled automatically after the driver performs the operation.
The steering wheel is operated abruptly.
The brake pedal is depressed abruptly.
The accelerator pedal is depressed abruptly.
The direction indicator lever is operated (after the direction indicator lever is returned, the LDWS may not operate for about 3 seconds which is the period of time required to make a lane correction).
After about 60 seconds have elapsed with the direction indicator lever left operating, the LDWS warning may operate if the vehicle is close to a white or yellow line.
Press the LDWS switch to cancel the LDWS. The LDWS OFF indicator light turns on.
For vehicles with the active driving display, the driving lane indication in the active driving display is not indicated when the LDWS is cancelled.
If the system determines that there is the possibility of a lane departure, the LDWS warning beep activates and the LDWS warning light flashes. Operate the steering wheel appropriately and steer the vehicle to the centre of the lane.
For vehicles equipped with the active driving display, if there is the possibility of a lane departure, the system indicates the direction it determines that the vehicle is deviating in the active driving display.
Indication on display
If the LDWS warning sound is set to rumble*1, the sound will be heard from the vehicle speaker on the side which the system determined the vehicle may be deviating from its lane.
It may be difficult to hear the LDWS warning beep depending on the surrounding conditions such as outside noise.
The volume of the LDWS warning sound can be changed.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
The type of warning sound (rumble*1/beep) on the LDWS can be changed.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
A rumble strip is a series of grooves in the road pavement surface positioned at specific intervals, and when the vehicle passes over it a vibration and rumble sound is produced which alerts the driver that the vehicle is departing from the lane.
The rumble sound is a reproduction of the sound which occurs when a vehicle passes over a rumble strip.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the vehicle on both sides during lane changes by alerting the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching from the rear in an adjacent lane.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system detects vehicles approaching from the rear while travelling in the forward direction at a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) or faster and turns on the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors depending on the conditions. If the direction indicator lever is operated to signal a lane change in the direction in which the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light is illuminated, the system warns the driver of a vehicle in the detection area by flashing the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light and activating a beep sound.
The detection area on this system covers the driving lanes on both sides of the vehicle and from the rear part of the front doors to about 50 m (164 ft) behind the vehicle.
Always check the surrounding area visually before making an actual lane change:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at your rear when making a lane change. Due to certain limitations with the operation of this system, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light may not flash or it might be delayed even though a vehicle is in an adjacent driving lane. Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the rear.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system will operate when all of the following conditions are met:
The ignition is switched ON.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch is pressed and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster is turned off.
The vehicle speed is about 30 km/h (19 mph) or faster.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system will not operate under the following circumstances.
The vehicle speed falls below about 25 km/h (15 mph) even though the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light is turned off.
The shift lever (manual transaxle)/selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing.
In the following cases, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light turns on and operation of the system is stopped. If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light remains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorised Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Some problem with the system including the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights is detected.
A large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has occurred.
There is a large accumulation of snow or ice on the rear bumper near a radar sensor (rear). Remove any snow, ice or mud on the rear bumper.
Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.
The temperature near the radar sensors (rear) becomes extremely hot due to driving for long periods on slopes during the summer.
The battery voltage has decreased.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it may be difficult to detect them.
A vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not approach. The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system determines the condition based on radar detection data.
A vehicle is travelling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for an extended period of time.
Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.
A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle.
A vehicle is in an adjacent lane on a road with extremely wide driving lanes. The detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set at the road width of expressways.
In the following cases, the activation of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights and the warning beep may not occur or they may be delayed.
A vehicle makes a lane change from a driving lane two lanes over to an adjacent lane.
Driving on steep slopes.
Crossing the summit of a hill or mountain pass.
The turning radius is small (making a sharp curve, turning at intersections).
When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent lane.
Directly after pressing the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch and the system becomes operable.
If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles two lanes over may be detected. The detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of expressways.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights may turn on in reaction to stationary objects on the road or the roadside such as guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls, and parked vehicles.
A Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light may flash or the warning beep may be activated several times when making a turn at a city intersection.
Turn off the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radar’s radio waves will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.
The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function when the shift lever (manual transaxle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) (Search).
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) or Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system notifies the driver of the presence of vehicles in adjacent lanes to the rear of your vehicle using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights and the warning beep while the systems are operational.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights are equipped on the left and right door mirrors. The warning lights turn on when a vehicle approaching from the rear in an adjacent lane is detected.
When the ignition is switched ON, the malfunction warning light turns on momentarily and then turns off after a few seconds.
Forward driving (Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system operation)
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system detects vehicles approaching from the rear and turns on the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors according to the conditions. Additionally, while a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light is illuminated, if the direction indicator lever is operated to signal a turn in the direction in which the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light is illuminated, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light flashes.
Reverse driving (Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system operation)
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system detects vehicles approaching from the left and right of your vehicle and flashes the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights.
Function for cancelling illumination dimmer
When the headlight switch is in the or
position, the brightness of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights is dimmed.
If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights are difficult to see due to glare from surrounding brightness when travelling on snow-covered roads or under foggy conditions, press the dimmer cancellation button to cancel the dimmer and increase the brightness of Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights when they turn on.
Refer to Instrument Panel Illumination (Search).
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning beep
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning beep is activated simultaneously with the flashing of a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light.
When the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch is pressed, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are turned off and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on.
If the switch is pressed again, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems become operable and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light turns off.
When the ignition is switched off, the condition before the system was turned off is maintained. For example, if the ignition is switched OFF while the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are operational, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems remain operational the next time the ignition is switched ON.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are turned off when the battery is disconnected such as when the battery terminals or fuses have been removed and re-installed. To turn the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems back on, press the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch.
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) measures the distance between your vehicle and a vehicle ahead using a radar sensor (front) while the vehicle speed is 30 km/h or faster (19 mph or faster), and indicates a recommended distance to maintain between the vehicles. Furthermore, if your vehicle approaches a vehicle ahead more closely than the appropriate distance to maintain between the vehicles, the vehicle-ahead indication in the active driving display is flashed to advise the driver to keep a safer distance from the vehicle ahead.
Do not rely completely on the Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) and always drive carefully:
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) provides advice for safer driving and notifies the driver of a recommended, safer distance to maintain with a vehicle ahead. The ability to detect a vehicle ahead is limited depending on the type of vehicle ahead, the weather conditions, and the traffic conditions. Therefore, if the accelerator and brake pedals are not operated correctly it could lead to an accident. Always verify the safety of the surrounding area and depress the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while keeping a safer distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) operates when all of the following conditions are met:
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) is on.
The selector lever is in a position other than reverse (R).
The objects which activate the system are 4-wheeled vehicles.
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) may also operate in the presence of motorcycles and bicycles.
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) may not operate normally under the following conditions:
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) has a malfunction.
The vehicle ahead is travelling at an extremely slow speed.
The system does not operate with the following objects:
Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.
Stationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)
The setting status and operation conditions of the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system are indicated in the active driving display.
If your vehicle rapidly closes in on the vehicle ahead because the vehicle applies the brakes suddenly while you are travelling in headway control, the warning sound activates and the brake warning is indicated in the display. Always verify the safety of the surrounding area and depress the brake pedal while keeping a safer distance from the vehicle ahead. Additionally, always keep a safer distance from the vehicles behind you.
The setting status of the adjustable speed limiter is displayed in the active driving display or the display in the instrument cluster.
Stand-by display
Displays when the speed limiter switch is operated and the system is turned on.
Turns off when the system is turned off.
Setting display
Displays when the SET /SET
switch is operated and the speed is set.
Cancel display
Displays when any of the following operations is done and the system is temporarily cancelled.
Cancel switch is operated
Accelerator pedal is strongly depressed
Smart Brake Support (SBS) is a system which alerts the driver of a possible collision using an indicator and warning sound in the instrument cluster while the vehicle is being driven at about 15 km/h or faster (10 mph or faster) and the system's radar sensor (front) determines that your vehicle may hit a vehicle ahead. Furthermore, if the radar sensor (front) determines that a collision is unavoidable, the automatic brake control is performed to reduce damage in the event of a collision.
In addition, when the driver depresses the brake pedal, the brakes operate more quickly to assist the driver (vehicles with brake fluid pre-fill).
Do not rely completely on the Smart Brake Support (SBS) system and always drive carefully:
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) is designed to reduce damage in the event of a collision, not avoid an accident. The ability to detect an obstruction is limited depending on the obstruction, weather conditions, or traffic conditions. Therefore, if the accelerator pedal or brake pedal is mistakenly operated it could result in an accident. Always verify the safety of the surrounding area and depress the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while keeping a safer distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
If the vehicle is towed or you are towing something, switch the Smart Brake Support (SBS) system off to prevent a mistaken operation.
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system operates when all of the following conditions are met:
The ignition is switched ON.
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system is on.
The vehicle speed is about 15 km/h or faster (10 mph or faster).
The relative speed between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is about 15 km/h or faster (10 mph or faster).
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is not operating.
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system may not operate under the following conditions:
If the vehicle is accelerated rapidly and it comes close to a vehicle ahead.
The vehicle is driven at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
The brake pedal is depressed.
The steering wheel is being operated.
The selector lever is being operated.
The direction indicator is being used.
When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with tail lights or the tail lights are turned off.
When warnings and messages, such as a dirty windscreen, related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)/laser sensor (front) are being displayed in the centre display.
Although the objects which activate the system are four-wheeled vehicles, the radar sensor (front) could detect the following objects, determine them to be an obstruction, and operate the Smart Brake Support (SBS) system.
Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve (including guardrails and snow banks).
A vehicle appears in the opposite lane while cornering or rounding a curve.
When crossing a narrow bridge.
When passing under a low gate or through a tunnel or narrow gate.
When entering an underground parking area.
Metal objects, bumps, or protruding objects on the road.
If you suddenly come close to a vehicle ahead.
When driving in areas where there is high grass or forage.
Two-wheeled vehicles such as motorbikes or bicycles.
Pedestrians or non-metallic objects such as standing trees.
When the system operates, the user is notified by the flashing Smart Brake Support (SBS) indicator light (red) and the active driving display.
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) warning light (amber) turns on when the system has a malfunction. Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights (Search).
If the Smart Brake Support (SBS) is operating, the indicator light (red) flashes.
If there is the possibility of a collision with a vehicle ahead, the beep sounds continuously and a warning is indicated in the active driving display.