i-ACTIVSENSE
i-ACTIVSENSE (Some Models)
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.
Camera and Sensors
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).
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Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
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Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
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Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
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Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
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Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS)
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Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS F)
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 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).
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Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
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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).
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Smart City Brake Support [Reverse] (SCBS R)
The ultrasonic sensors (rear) are mounted in the rear bumper.
Refer to Ultrasonic Sensors (Rear) (Search).
Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) (Some Models)
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.
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.
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Do not modify the suspensions or headlight units, or remove the camera. Otherwise, the ALH may not operate normally.
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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.
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When there are other sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards, and traffic signals.
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When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and signs.
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When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
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When driving on roads with sharp curves or undulations.
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When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles ahead or in the opposite lane are dim or not illuminated.
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When there is insufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
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When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats are occupied.
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When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle ahead spraying water from its tyres onto your windscreen.
To Operate the System
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).
When the System Operates
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The vehicle speed is about 70 km/h (44 mph) or faster.
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The vehicle is driven on a straight road or road with gentle curves.
The LDWS does not operate in the following cases:
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The system cannot detect white or yellow lines.
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The vehicle speed is less than about 65 km/h (40 mph).
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The vehicle is making a sharp turn.
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The vehicle is making a curve at an inadequate speed.
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The LDWS does not operate until the system detects a white or yellow line on either the left or right.
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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.
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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.
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The temperature inside the camera is high or low.
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The windscreen around the camera is foggy.
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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.
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The steering wheel is operated abruptly.
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The brake pedal is depressed abruptly.
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The accelerator pedal is depressed abruptly.
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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 30 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.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) (Some Models)
The BSM 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 BSM 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 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 BSM warning light is illuminated, the system warns the driver of a vehicle in the detection area by flashing the 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 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 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.
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The BSM will operate when all of the following conditions are met:
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The ignition is switched ON.
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The BSM switch is pressed and the BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster is turned off.
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The vehicle speed is about 30 km/h (19 mph) or faster.
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The BSM will not operate under the following circumstances.
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The vehicle speed falls below about 25 km/h (15 mph) even though the BSM OFF indicator light is turned off.
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The shift lever (manual transmission)/selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted to reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing.
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In the following cases, the BSM OFF indicator light turns on and operation of the system is stopped. If the BSM OFF indicator light remains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorised Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
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Some problem with the system including the BSM warning lights is detected.
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A large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has occurred.
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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.
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Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.
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The temperature near the radar sensors (rear) becomes extremely hot due to driving for long periods on slopes during the summer.
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The battery voltage has decreased.
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Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it may be difficult to detect them.
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A vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not approach. The BSM determines the condition based on radar detection data.
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A vehicle is travelling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for an extended period of time.
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Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.
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A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle.
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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.
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In the following cases, the activation of the BSM warning lights and the warning beep may not occur or they may be delayed.
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A vehicle makes a lane change from a driving lane two lanes over to an adjacent lane.
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Driving on steep slopes.
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Crossing the summit of a hill or mountain pass.
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The turning radius is small (making a sharp turn, turning at intersections).
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When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent lane.
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Directly after the BSM system becomes operable by changing the setting.
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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.
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The 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.
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A BSM warning light may flash or the warning beep may be activated several times when making a turn at a city intersection.
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Turn off the BSM 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.
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In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the BSM warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
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Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.
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The door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
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The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) function when the shift lever (manual transmission) or the selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) (Search).
Traffic Sign Display Indication
The following traffic signs are displayed on the multi-information display.
Speed limit signs (including auxiliary signs)
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot classify an auxiliary sign (such as time restrictions, turning restrictions, end of section) correctly, the following screen is displayed.
Inclement weather speed limit sign
Do not enter signs
Passing prohibited sign
The TSR can display a passing prohibited sign and a speed limit sign at the same time.
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot correctly recognise a traffic sign while the vehicle is driven, the following screen is displayed.
Speed limit signs (including auxiliary signs)
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When the vehicle speed is about 1 km/h (0.6 mph) or faster, the speed limit sign is displayed when any one of the following conditions are met.
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The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognises a speed limit sign as a sign targeted for your vehicle and the vehicle passes it.
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The speed limit sign stored in the navigation system is read (if the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) does not recognise a speed limit sign).
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Inclement weather speed limit signs are displayed when all of the following conditions are met.
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The vehicle speed is about 1 km/h (0.6 mph) or more.
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The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognises an inclement weather speed limit sign as a sign targeted for your vehicle and the vehicle passes it.
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The inclement weather speed limit sign is lower than the currently displayed speed limit sign.
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The windscreen wipers are operated.
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In the following cases, display of the speed limit sign stops.
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The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognises the speed limit sign and the vehicle is driven for a certain distance after passing the sign.
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Each sensor determines that the vehicle has changed direction of travel. (The display of a speed limit sign does not stop even if the vehicle changes lanes while a "ZONE" auxiliary sign is displayed.)
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The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognises a new speed limit sign which differs from the previous one (displays the new speed limit sign).
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The speed limit sign stored in the navigation system is not read within a certain period of time (if the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) does not recognise a speed limit sign, the speed limit sign stored in the navigation system is displayed).
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The vehicle speed exceeds the displayed speed limit sign by 30 km/h (19 mph) or more after a certain period of time has elapsed since the speed limit sign was displayed. (Except when there is information for the speed limit sign in the navigation system)
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Do not enter signs
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A do not enter sign is displayed when all of the following conditions are met.
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The vehicle speed is about 80 km/h (50 mph) or slower.
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The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognises a do not enter sign as a sign targeted for your vehicle and the vehicle passes it.
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When the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognises the do not enter sign and a certain period of time has elapsed since the vehicle passed the sign, display of the do not enter sign stops.
Passing prohibited sign
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A passing prohibited sign is displayed when all of the following conditions are met.
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The vehicle speed is about 1 km/h (0.6 mph) or more.
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The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognises a passing prohibited sign as a sign targeted for your vehicle and the vehicle passes it.
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In the following cases, the display of the passing prohibited sign stops.
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The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognises a passing prohibited sign and you drive a certain distance after passing the sign.
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You have changed vehicle lanes.
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Excessive Speed Warning
If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign displayed in the multi-information display, the area around the speed limit sign flashes 3 times in amber and the warning sound is activated 3 times at the same time. If the vehicle speed continues to exceed the displayed speed limit sign, the indication stops flashing and remains on. Check the surrounding conditions and adjust the vehicle speed to the legal speed using the appropriate operation such as depressing the brake pedal.
The excessive speed warning is initially set to inoperable. If you want to activate the excessive speed warning, change the setting in the personalisation features. In addition, the warning pattern and the warning activation timing differ depending on the setting contents.
Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
Warning pattern
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Off: The excessive speed warning is not activated.
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Visual: The area around the speed limit sign displayed in the display flashes 3 times in amber, and if the vehicle speed continues to exceed the displayed speed limit sign, the indication stops flashing and remains on.
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Audio & Visual: The area around the speed limit sign displayed in the display flashes 3 times in amber and the warning sound is activated 3 times at the same time. If the vehicle speed continues to exceed the displayed speed limit sign, the indication stops flashing and remains on.
Warning activation timing
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0: If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign displayed in the display, the excessive speed warning is activated. -
5: If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign displayed in the display by 5 km/h (5 mph), the excessive speed warning is activated.
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10: If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign displayed in the display by 10 km/h (10 mph), the excessive speed warning is activated.
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In the following cases, the excessive speed warning stops operating.
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The vehicle speed is less than the speed of the displayed speed limit sign. (If the activation timing for the excessive speed warning is changed in the personalisation features, the excessive speed warning stops operating when the vehicle speed is less than the changed vehicle speed.
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A speed limit sign indication has been updated and the vehicle speed is lower than the updated indication.
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Display of the speed limit sign stops.
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The warning indication is displayed at the same time the excessive speed warning sound is activated if the vehicle speed exceeds the speed indicated on the speed limit sign.
Refer to Warning Sound is Activated (Search).
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The TSR can recognise a speed limit sign with an auxiliary sign and display it, but it cannot determine the indication on the auxiliary sign (such as time restrictions, turning restrictions, end of section). Therefore, the excessive speed warning is activated when the vehicle speed exceeds the displayed speed limit sign even if the conditions indicated on the auxiliary sign do not apply to the vehicle.
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If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) incorrectly recognises the actual speed limit sign at a lower speed, the excessive speed alarm is activated even if the vehicle is driven at the legal speed.
Driver Attention Alert (DAA) (Some Models)
The DAA is a system which detects driver fatigue and decreased attentiveness, and encourages the driver to take a rest.
When the vehicle is driven inside traffic lane lines at about 65 to 140 km/h (41 to 86 mph), the DAA estimates the amount of accumulated fatigue and decreased attentiveness of the driver based on the information from the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and other vehicle information, and encourages the driver to take a rest using an indication on the multi-information display and a warning sound.
Use the DAA on expressways or highways.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) (Search).
Do not rely completely on DAA and always drive carefully:
The DAA detects driver fatigue and decreased attentiveness and encourages the driver to take a rest, however, it is not designed to prevent the vehicle from straying. If you rely too much on the DAA it could lead to an accident. Drive carefully and operate the steering wheel appropriately.
In addition, the system may not be able to detect driver fatigue and decreased attentiveness correctly depending on the traffic and driving conditions. The driver must take sufficient rest in consideration of safer driving.
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The DAA operates when all of the following conditions are met.
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The vehicle speed is about 65 to 140 km/h (41 to 86 mph).
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The system detects white (yellow) lane lines.
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The system has completed learning of the driver’s driving data.
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The DAA does not operate under the following conditions.
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The vehicle speed is less than about 65 km/h (41 mph).
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The vehicle speed exceeds about 140 km/h (86 mph)
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The vehicle is making a sharp turn.
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The vehicle is changing lanes.
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The system cannot detect white (yellow) lane lines.
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The DAA may not operate normally under the following conditions.
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White (yellow) lane lines are less visible because of dirt or fading/patchiness.
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The vehicle is jolted or swayed continuously by strong winds or rough roads.
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The vehicle is driven aggressively.
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When making frequent lane changes.
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The DAA detects driver fatigue and decreased attentiveness based on the driving data when the vehicle is driven at about 65 to 140 km/h (41 to 86 mph) for about 20 minutes. The driving data will be reset under the following conditions.
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The vehicle is stopped for 15 minutes or longer.
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The vehicle is driven at less than about 65 km/h (41 mph) for about 30 minutes.
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The ignition is switched off.
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After the DAA has displayed the first message encouraging rest, it does not display the next one until 45 minutes have passed.
Driver Attention Alert (DAA) Display
When the system detects driver fatigue or decreased attentiveness, it activates the warning sound and displays an alert in the multi-information display.
Adjustable Speed Limiter (ASL) Display
The setting status of the ASL is displayed in 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
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.
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OFF/CANCEL switch is operated
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Accelerator pedal is strongly depressed
Temporarily Cancelling the System
The system is temporarily cancelled (stand-by status) when any of the following operations is done while the ASL is displayed.
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OFF/CANCEL switch is pressed
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Accelerator pedal is strongly depressed
Press the RESUME/ switch to resume the operation at the previous set speed. The ASL display remains displayed.
The set speed can be set by pressing the SET switch while the system is in stand-by status.
The ASL is not cancelled by depressing the brake pedal.
Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) (Some Models)
The Advanced SCBS alerts the driver of a possible collision using the display and a warning sound when the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects a vehicle ahead or pedestrian and determines that a collision with the object is unavoidable while the vehicle is driven at a vehicle speed of about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph) if the object is a vehicle ahead and about 10 to 80 km/h (6.2 to 50 mph) if the object is a pedestrian. In addition, the system reduces damage in the event of a collision by operating the brake control (Advanced SCBS brake) when the system determines that a collision is unavoidable. In addition, when the driver depresses the brake pedal, the brakes are applied firmly and quickly to assist. (Brake Assist (Advanced SCBS brake assist))
Do not rely completely on the Advanced SCBS system:
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The Advanced SCBS 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.
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The Advanced SCBS system operates in response to a vehicle ahead or a pedestrian. The system does not operate in response to obstructions such as a wall, 2-wheeled vehicles, or animals.
In the following cases, turn the system off to prevent a mis-operation:
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The vehicle is being towed or when towing another vehicle.
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The vehicle is on a chassis roller.
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When driving on rough roads such as in areas of dense grass or off-road.
Refer to Stopping the Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) System Operation (Search) on how to turn off the Advanced SCBS system.
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The Advanced SCBS system will operate under the following conditions.
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The engine is running.
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The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warning light (amber) does not illuminate.
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(Object is vehicle ahead)
The vehicle speed is between about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph).
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(Object is a pedestrian)
The vehicle speed is between about 10 to 80 km/h (6.2 to 50 mph).
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The Advanced SCBS system is not turned off.
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Under the following conditions, the Advanced SCBS system may not operate normally:
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The Advanced SCBS system will not operate if the driver is deliberately performing driving operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel).
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If there is the possibility of partial contact with a vehicle ahead.
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The vehicle is driven on a slippery road surface such as wet roads or icy or snow-bound roads.
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The braking performance is adversely affected due to cold temperatures or wet brakes.
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The vehicle is driven at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
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The accelerator pedal is depressed.
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The brake pedal is depressed.
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The steering wheel is being operated.
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The selector lever is being operated.
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In the following cases, the Advanced SCBS may operate.
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Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve.
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Vehicles passing in the opposite lane while making a curve.
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When passing through a toll gate.
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When passing through low gates, narrow gates, car washing machines, or tunnels.
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If you suddenly come close to a vehicle ahead.
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2-wheeled vehicles, animals, or standing trees.
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(Manual transmission)
If the vehicle is stopped by the SCBS operation and the clutch pedal is not depressed, the engine stops.
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) Indicator Light (Red)
If the Advanced SCBS is operating, the indicator light (red) flashes.
Collision Warning
If there is the possibility of a collision with a vehicle ahead, the beep sounds continuously and a warning is indicated in the multi-information display.
The operation distance and volume of the collision warning can be changed. Refer to Personalisation Features (Search).
Stopping the Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) System Operation
The Advanced SCBS system can be temporarily deactivated.
When the Advanced SCBS 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.
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) Indicator Light (Red)
If the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is operating, the indicator light (red) flashes.
Automatic Brake Operation Display
The automatic brake operation display is indicated on the multi-information display after the SCBS F is operated.
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The collision warning beep sounds intermittently while the SCBS F brake or brake assist (SCBS F brake assist) is operating.
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If the vehicle is stopped by the SCBS F operation and the brake pedal is not depressed, the warning beep sounds 1 time after about 2 seconds and the SCBS F brake is automatically released.
Automatic Brake Operation Display
“SCBS Automatic Brake” is indicated in the multi-information display after the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) brakes is operated.
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The collision warning beep sounds intermittently while the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) brake is operating.
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If the vehicle is stopped by the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) operation and the brake pedal is not depressed, the warning beep sounds one time after about 2 seconds and the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) brake is automatically released.
