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 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. 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)
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).
Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
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 [Forward] (SCBS F)
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)
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 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 HBC determines that it is dark based on the brightness of the surrounding area. At the same time, the HBC indicator light (green) in the instrument cluster illuminates.
The HBC determines that it is dark based on the brightness of the surrounding area.
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 HBC switches the headlights to low beams.
The low beams may not switch to high beams when cornering.
Operation of the HBC function can be disabled. Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The HBC indicator light (green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the position.
The HBC indicator light (green) turns off and the is illuminated.
The ALH 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 ALH 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 about 40 km/h (25 mph) or faster. When the vehicle speed is less than about 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 less than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
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 ALH can detect objects varies depending on the surrounding conditions.
Do not modify the suspensions or headlight units, or remove the camera. Otherwise, the ALH may not operate normally.
Do not rely excessively on the ALH 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 ALH 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 ALH indicator light (green) in the instrument cluster turns on simultaneously.
The 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 ALH do not operate.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The ALH indicator light (green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the position.
The ALH indicator light (green) turns off and the is illuminated.
The LDWS 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 OFF switch is pressed and the LDWS OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off.
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.
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 turn.
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.
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 OFF switch to cancel the LDWS. The LDWS OFF indicator light turns on.
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 BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are turned off and the BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on.
Vehicles with BSM OFF switch
When the BSM OFF switch is pressed, the BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are turned off and the BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on.
If the switch is pressed again, the BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems become operable and the BSM OFF indicator light turns off.
When the ignition is switched OFF, the system status before it was turned off is maintained. For example, if the ignition is switched OFF while the BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are operable, the BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems remain operable the next time the ignition is switched ON.
Vehicles without BSM OFF switch
The BSM system can be set to inoperable.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
When the BSM is set to inoperable, the BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are turned off and the BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on.
When the ignition is switched OFF, the system status before it was turned off is maintained. For example, if the ignition is switched OFF while the BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are operational, the BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems remain operational the next time the ignition is switched ON.
The DRSS measures the distance between your vehicle and a vehicle ahead using a radar sensor (front) while the vehicle speed is about 30 km/h (19 mph) or faster, and if your vehicle approaches a vehicle ahead more closely than what is appropriate for maintaining distance between the vehicles according to the vehicle speed, a notification in the active driving display is indicated to advise you to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Do not rely completely on the DRSS and always drive carefully:
The 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 DRSS operates when all of the following conditions are met:
The ignition is switched ON.
The 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 DRSS may also operate in the presence of motorcycles and bicycles.
The 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 SCBS R is a system which is designed to reduce damage in the event of a collision by operating the brake control (SCBS brake) when the system’s ultrasonic sensors detect an obstruction at the rear of the vehicle while driving at a speed of about 2 to 8 km/h (2 to 4 mph) and the system determines that a collision is unavoidable.
Do not rely completely on the SCBS R system:
The SCBS R 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.
To assure the correct operation of the SCBS R, heed the following cautions.
Do not apply a sticker to an ultrasonic sensor (rear) (including transparent stickers). Otherwise, the ultrasonic sensor (rear) may not be able to detect vehicles or obstructions which could result in an accident.
Do not disassemble an ultrasonic sensor (rear).
If cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris is visible around an ultrasonic sensor (rear), stop using the SCBS R system immediately and have your vehicle inspected by an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer. If the vehicle continues to be driven with cracks or scratch marks left around an ultrasonic sensor, the system may operate unnecessarily and cause an unexpected accident.
Refer to Stopping the Smart City Brake Support [Reverse] (SCBS R) System Operation (Search).
Consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer for rear bumper replacement.
Do not modify the suspension:
If the vehicle height or inclination is changed, the SCBS R system may not operate correctly because it cannot detect obstructions correctly.
Do not apply a strong force to an ultrasonic sensor (rear):
When washing the vehicle, do not spray highly pressurised water against an ultrasonic sensor (rear), or rub it strongly. In addition, do not hit the rear bumper forcefully when loading and unloading cargo Otherwise, the sensors may not detect obstructions correctly which could cause the SCBS R system to not operate normally, or it could operate unnecessarily.
When driving off-road in areas where there is grass or foliage, it is recommended that the SCBS R system be turned off.
Always use tyres of the specified size and the same manufacturer, brand, and tread pattern on all 4 wheels. In addition, do not use tyres with significantly different wear patterns on the same vehicle. Otherwise, the SCBS R system may not operate normally.
If ice or snow is stuck on the ultrasonic sensors (rear) they may not be able to detect obstructions correctly depending on the conditions. In such cases, the system may not be able to perform controls correctly. Always drive carefully and pay attention to the rear of the vehicle.
The vehicle posture changes depending on the accelerator pedal, brake pedal and steering wheel operations, which could make it difficult for the system to recognise an obstruction, or it could facilitate unnecessary detection. In such cases, the SCBS R may or may not operate.
The SCBS R system will operate under the following conditions.
The engine is running.
The change lever (manual transaxle vehicle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle vehicle) is in the R (reverse) position.
The vehicle speed is between about 2 to 8 km/h (2 to 4 mph).
The SCBS R is not turned off.
The DSC is not malfunctioning.
The SCBS R operates using ultrasonic sensors (rear) which detect obstructions at the rear by emitting ultrasonic waves and then receiving the returning waves reflected off the obstructions.
In the following cases, the ultrasonic sensors (rear) cannot detect obstructions and the SCBS R may not operate.
The height of the obstruction is low such as low walls or trucks with low loading platforms.
The height of the obstruction is high such as trucks with high loading platforms.
The obstruction is small.
The obstruction is thin such as a signpost.
The obstruction is positioned away from the centre of the vehicle.
The surface of the obstruction is not pointed vertically relative to the vehicle.
The obstruction is soft such as a hanging curtain or snow stuck to a vehicle.
The obstruction is shaped irregularly.
The obstruction is extremely close.
In the following cases, the ultrasonic sensors (rear) cannot detect obstructions correctly and the SCBS R may not operate.
Something is stuck on the bumper near an ultrasonic sensor (rear).
The steering wheel is turned sharply, or the brake or accelerator pedal is operated.
There is another obstruction near one obstruction.
During inclement weather such as rain, fog and snow.
High or low humidity.
High or low temperatures
Strong winds.
The path of travel is not flat.
Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat.
Objects such as a wireless aerial, fog light, or illuminated number plate is installed near an ultrasonic sensor (rear).
The orientation of an ultrasonic sensor (rear) has deviated for reasons such as a collision.
The vehicle is affected by other sound waves such as the horn, engine noise, ultrasonic sensor of another vehicle.
In the following cases, an ultrasonic sensor (rear) may detect something as a target obstruction which could cause the SCBS R system to operate.
Driving on a steep slope.
Wheel blocks.
Hanging curtains, gate poles such as at toll gates and railroad crossing.
When travelling near objects such as foliage, barriers, vehicles, walls, and fences along a road.
When driving off-road in areas where there is grass and forage.
When passing through low gates, narrow gates, car washing machines, and tunnels.
A towing bar is installed or a trailer is connected.
(Manual transaxle)
If the vehicle is stopped by the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) operation and the clutch pedal is not depressed, the engine stops.
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warning indication (amber) turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights (Search).
If the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is operating, the indicator light (red) flashes.
“SCBS Automatic Brake” is indicated in the active driving display after the SCBS brakes is operated.
The collision warning beep sounds intermittently while the SCBS brake 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 SCBS R system can be temporarily deactivated.
When the SCBS R system is turned off, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) OFF indicator light turns on.
When the engine is restarted, the system becomes operational.
Without SCBS OFF switch
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
With SCBS OFF switch
Press the SCBS OFF switch to turn off the system. The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the system back on. The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) OFF indicator light will turn off.