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
Driver fatigue detection
Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space
Driver awareness support systems
Inter-vehicle distance
Lane departure
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. The following systems also use the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Adaptive LED headlights
Driver attention alert
Lane-keep assist system
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 Brake Support (SBS)
Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F)
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).
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 Sensor (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).
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 (18 mph), 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 illuminates or flashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning/Indicator 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 curves 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 insufficient 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 30 km/h (19 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 Adaptive LED headlights are a system which uses the forward sensing camera (FSC) to determine the situation of a vehicle ahead or a vehicle approaching in the opposite direction while driving at night to automatically switch the illumination range of the headlights, the illuminated area, or the illumination brightness.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) (Search).
The adaptive LED headlights are controlled between high and low beams as follows to assure the driver's visibility without dazzling a vehicle ahead or a vehicle approaching in the opposite direction.
Glare-Free High Beam
This feature dims only the high-beam light shone on the vehicle ahead.
The high beams will dim while driving at a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) or faster. When the vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h (18 mph), the beams switch to the low beams.
The headlight high-beam indicator light turns on while the high beams are on.
Wide-Range Low Beam
This feature extends the illumination range of the light cast by the low beams while driving at a speed of 40 km/h (24 mph) or slower.
Highway Mode
This feature shifts the illumination angle of the light cast by the headlights upward while driving on highways.
The distance in which the adaptive LED headlights can detect objects varies depending on the surrounding conditions.
Do not modify the suspensions or headlight units, or remove the camera. Otherwise, the adaptive LED headlights may not operate normally.
Do not rely excessively on the adaptive LED headlights and drive the vehicle while paying sufficient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and low beams manually if necessary.
Under the following conditions, the adaptive LED headlights may not operate normally. Manually switch between the high and low beams according to the visibility, and the road and traffic conditions.
When there are other 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 curves or undulations.
When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles ahead or in the opposite lane are dim or not illuminated.
When there is insufficient 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 ahead spraying water from its tyres onto your windscreen.
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 indicator light (green) in the instrument cluster
turns on simultaneously.
The adaptive LED headlights 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 do not operate.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The adaptive LED headlights indicator light (green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the position.
The adaptive LED headlights 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 and if it determines that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane, it notifies the driver using the multi-information display (vehicles with type A instrument cluster), and by flashing the LDWS warning light (vehicles with type B instrument cluster) 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 (FSC) (Search).
Vehicles with type A instrument cluster
The LDWS OFF indication illuminates when the system has a malfunction.
Vehicles with type B instrument cluster
The LDWS warning light illuminates when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning/Indicator 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).
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 indication/indicator light turns off.
On the type A instrument cluster, the lane indication (border line) is indicated in the multi-information 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 65 km/h (41 mph) or faster.
The vehicle is driven on a straight road or road with gentle curves.
On the type A instrument cluster, the lane indication is indicated in the multi-information 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 60 km/h (37 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.
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.
When the LDWS cancels automatically, the instrument cluster displays as follows.
Vehicle with type A instrument cluster
The lane indication (border line) is indicated in the display.
The LDWS is enabled automatically when operation conditions are met, and the lane indication is indicated in the display.
Vehicle with type B instrument cluster
The LDWS warning light in the instrument cluster turns on.
The LDWS warning light turns off when the LDWS is operable.
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 indication/indicator light turns on.
The lane indication displayed in the type A instrument cluster turns off.
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 10 km/h (6.3 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.
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 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 ignition is switched ON.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch is pressed and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indication/indicator light in the instrument cluster is turned off.
The vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system will not operate under the following circumstances.
The vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 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.
The radar sensors may not detect all types of vehicles around your vehicle, especially the following types of vehicles:
Motorcycles
Vehicles with body shapes that radar may not reflect such as a flatbed trailer with no cargo.
Vehicles with lower body height such as sports cars.
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.
Although the system may detect objects on the road side such as parked vehicles or guardrails and operate the warning light/beep, it does not indicate a malfunction.
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 indication/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 indication/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 multi-information 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 ignition is switched ON.
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) is on.
The selector lever is in a position other than reverse (R).
The vehicle speed is 30 km/h or faster (19 mph or faster).
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)