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
Lane departure
Speed control
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).
Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & 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.
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 LED Headlights (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 Adaptive LED Headlights (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 Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) 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 (ALH) may not operate normally.
Do not rely excessively on the Adaptive LED Headlights (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 Adaptive LED Headlights (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.
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 alerts the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane. If the white (yellow) lines on the traffic lane are detected using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and the system determines that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane, it notifies the driver by flashing the LDWS warning light and activating the LDWS warning beep, and by the multi-information display (vehicles with multi-information display) and the active driving display (vehicles with active driving display).
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (Search).
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle on roads with white (yellow) lines.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), refer to the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) (Search).
The warning light flashes 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 Brake Support (SBS) system alerts the driver of a possible collision using a display and warning sound if the radar sensor (front) and the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determine that there is the possibility of a collision with a vehicle ahead while the vehicle is being driven at about 15 km/h or faster (10 mph or faster). Furthermore, if the radar sensor (front) and the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) 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 are applied firmly and quickly to assist. (Brake Assist (SBS brake assist))
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.
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.
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) are being displayed in the multi-information 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 multi-information display.
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) warning indication (amber) turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning 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 the active driving display.
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system can be temporarily deactivated.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
When the Smart Brake Support (SBS) system is turned off, the Smart Brake Support (SBS) OFF indicator light turns on.
When the engine is restarted, the system becomes operational.
If the Smart Brake Support (SBS) system operation is turned off, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system operation is turned off simultaneously.