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
Road sign recognition
Inter-vehicle distance recognition
Driver fatigue detection
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
Reverse driving
Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects lane indications and recognises headlights, tail lights and city lights during nighttime driving. In addition, it also detects the vehicle ahead, pedestrians, or obstructions. The following systems also use the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control System (HBC)
Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS)
Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F)
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).
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)
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).
Ultrasonic sensors (rear)
The ultrasonic sensors (rear) function by detecting the ultrasonic waves reflected off obstructions at the rear sent from the ultrasonic sensors. The following systems also use the ultrasonic sensors (rear).
Smart City Brake Support [Reverse] (SCBS R)
The ultrasonic sensors (rear) are mounted in the rear bumper.
Refer to Ultrasonic Sensors (Rear) (Search).
The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) automatically adjusts the headlight beams to the left or right in conjunction with the operation of the steering wheel after the headlights have been turned on.
A system malfunction or operation conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights (Search).
Headlights do not blind drivers approaching in the opposite direction no matter what side of the road you must drive your vehicle (left-hand or right-hand traffic). Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the optical axis of the headlights when switching temporarily to driving on the opposite side of the road (left-hand or right-hand traffic).
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) function can be switched to operable/inoperable using the personalisation function.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines the conditions in front of the vehicle using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to automatically switch the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights (Search).
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights are switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opposite direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs:
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the opposite direction.
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in well-lit cities and towns.
The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights (Search).
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera, otherwise the system will not operate normally.
Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the vehicle while paying sufficient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and low beams manually if necessary.
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the following conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic conditions.
When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards, and traffic signals.
When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and signs.
When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.
When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim or not illuminated.
When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats are occupied.
When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tyres onto your windscreen.
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 about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, 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 system switches the headlights to the high beams after the ignition is switched ON and the headlight switch is in the position. The Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) indicator light (green) in the instrument cluster turns on simultaneously.
The Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) determine that it is nighttime based on the brightness of the surrounding area.
The system cancels operation when the headlight switch is turned to a position other than , the headlights are manually switched to low beams, or the high beams are flashed on and off.
The system can be changed so that the Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) do not operate.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) indicator light (green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the position.
The Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) 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 Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system alerts the driver of a possible collision using an indication in the display and a warning sound when the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects a vehicle ahead and determines that a collision with a vehicle ahead is unavoidable while the vehicle is being driven at a vehicle speed of about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph). In addition, the system reduces damage in the event of a collision by operating the brake control (SCBS brake) when the system determines that a collision is unavoidable while the vehicle is being driven at a vehicle speed of about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph). It may also be possible to avoid a collision if the relative speed between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you is less than about 20 km/h (12 mph). In addition, when the driver depresses the brake pedal while the system is in the operation range at about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph), the brakes are applied firmly and quickly to assist. (Brake Assist (SCBS brake assist))
Do not rely completely on the Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system:
The Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system is only designed to reduce damage in the event of a collision. Over reliance on the system leading to the accelerator pedal or brake pedal being mistakenly operated could result in an accident.
The Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) is a system which operates in response to a vehicle ahead. The system may not be able to detect or react to 2-wheeled vehicles or pedestrians.
In the following cases, turn the system off to prevent a mis-operation:
The vehicle is being towed or when towing another vehicle.
The vehicle is on a chassis roller.
When driving on rough roads such as in areas of dense grass or off-road.
Refer to Stopping the Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system Operation (Search) on how to turn off the Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system.
The Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system will operate under the following conditions.
The engine is running.
The Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) system warning light (amber) does not illuminate.
(Rear-end collision warning)
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph).
(Brake control (SCBS brake))
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph).
The Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system is not turned off.
Under the following conditions, the Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system may not operate normally:
The Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system will not operate if the driver is deliberately performing driving operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel).
If there is the possibility of partial contact with a vehicle ahead.
The vehicle is driven on a slippery road surface such as wet roads or icy or snow-bound roads.
The braking performance is adversely affected due to cold temperatures or wet brakes.
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.
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines that there is a vehicle ahead and the Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) may operate.
Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve.
Vehicles passing in the opposite lane while making a curve.
Metal objects, bumps, or protruding objects on the road.
When passing through a toll gate.
When passing through low gates, narrow gates, car washing machines, or tunnels.
If you suddenly come close to a vehicle ahead.
2-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, animals or standing trees.
Vehicle is driven with some of the tyres having significant wear.
(Manual transaxle)
If the vehicle is stopped by the SCBS operation and the clutch pedal is not depressed, the engine stops.
If the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) 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.
The operation distance and volume of the collision warning can be changed. Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
“SCBS Automatic Brake” is indicated in the active driving display after the SCBS brakes or the brake assist (SCBS brake assist) is operated.
The collision warning beep sounds intermittently while the SCBS brake or brake assist (SCBS brake assist) is operating.
If the vehicle is stopped by the SCBS operation and the brake pedal is not depressed, the warning beep sounds one time after about 2 seconds and the SCBS brake is automatically released.
The Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system can be temporarily deactivated.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
When the Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F) system is turned off, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) OFF indicator light turns on.
When the engine is restarted, the system becomes operational.