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 recognize potential hazards and avert accidents.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Rear side detection
Inter-vehicle distance recognition
Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space
Driver 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
Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines the conditions in front of the vehicle using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to automatically switch the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights (Search).
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights are switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opposite direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs:
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the opposite direction.
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in well-lit cities and towns.
The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light flashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights (Search).
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera, otherwise the system will not operate normally.
Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the vehicle while paying sufficient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and low beams manually if necessary.
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the following conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic conditions.
When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards, and traffic signals.
When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and signs.
When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.
When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim or not illuminated.
When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats are occupied.
When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires onto your windshield.
If your vehicle rapidly closes in on the vehicle ahead because the vehicle applies the brakes suddenly while you are traveling in headway control, the warning sound activates and the brake warning is indicated in the display. Always verify the safety of the surrounding area and depress the brake pedal while keeping a safer distance from the vehicle ahead. Additionally, always keep a safer distance from the vehicles behind you.
Make sure that the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) OFF switch indicator light is turned off. When the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) OFF switch indicator light is turned on, press the switch and make sure that the switch indicator light turns off.
The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) indication (white) is displayed in the multi-information display, and the system goes on stand-by.
Drive the vehicle in the center of the vehicle lane while the system is on standby. When all of the following conditions are met, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) indication (green) is displayed in the multi-information display, and the system becomes operational.
The engine is running.
The vehicle speed is about 60 km/h (37 mph) or faster.
The system detects white (yellow) lane lines on both the right and left sides.
The driver is operating the steering wheel.
The driving lane is neither narrow nor wide.
The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) goes on stand-by status in the following cases:
The system cannot detect white (yellow) lane lines.
The vehicle speed is less than about 60 km/h (37 mph).
The ABS/TCS/DSC is operating.
The TCS is turned off.
(If the TCS is turned off while the system is operational, a warning beep is heard and the system goes on standby.)
The vehicle is making a sharp curve.
The vehicle is making a curve at an inadequate speed.
The driver takes his or her hands off the steering wheel (not holding the steering wheel).
Sudden acceleration/deceleration.
Driving on winding roads.
The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) does not operate until the system detects white (yellow) lane lines on either the left or right.
When the system detects a white (yellow) lane line on one side only, the system will not operate the steering wheel operation assist for the lane line on the side that is not being detected. The warning is only for a lane deviation on the side that is being detected.
If the driver takes his or her hands off the steering wheel (not holding the steering wheel), the warning sound is activated and an alert is indicated in the multi-information display.
If the steering wheel is held lightly, or depending on the road conditions, the system may detect that you have released the steering wheel (not holding the steering wheel) even if you are holding it, and display a message in the multi-information display.
The timing at which the lane departure warning is activated and the steering wheel operation assist is performed varies.
The following settings for the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) can be changed. Refer to Personalization Features (Search).
Steering operation assist operational/non-operational
Cancel sensitivity (likelihood of steering assist)
Vehicle lane line display
When the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) becomes operational while on standby, the vehicle lane lines are displayed in the multi-information display and the active driving display. In the vehicle lane lines display indicating the operation status, the color of the vehicle lane lines being detected changes to white.
(Stand-by status)
(Operational status)
Auto cancel
In the following cases, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is automatically canceled, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning indication (amber) turns on, and an alert is displayed. When the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) become operational, the system turns back on automatically.
The temperature inside the camera is high or low.
The windshield around the camera is foggy.
The windshield around the camera is blocked by an obstruction, causing poor forward visibility.
Auto cancel of warning/steering assist
When the following operations are performed, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) determines that the driver intends to make a lane change and the system operation is canceled automatically. The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) resumes automatically after the operation.
The steering wheel is operated abruptly.
The brake pedal is operated.
The accelerator pedal is operated.
(To cancel the automatic sensitivity cancel function, deselect “Cancel sensitivity” in the personalization features setting.)
The turn signal lever is operated.
The vehicle crosses a lane line.
After the operation, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) operation may not operate for a period of 5 seconds at the most until the lane lines are detected.
Under the following conditions, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) cancels the warning/steering assist automatically.
The driver takes his/her hands off the steering wheel.
(The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is designed to assist the driver's steering operation and it will resume operation automatically when the driver holds the steering wheel.)
The TCS OFF switch is pressed to cancel the TCS.
Steering operation assist OFF (non-operational)
The steering operation assist for the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) can be changed to non-operational (OFF).
Refer to Setting Change (Personalization Features) (Search).
When the steering operation assist has been changed to non-operational (OFF), the operation conditions and the display of the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) differ. Operate the system as follows:
System operation
Make sure that the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) OFF switch indicator light is turned off. When the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) OFF switch indicator light turns on, press the switch and make sure that the switch indicator light turns off.
Drive the vehicle in the center of the driving lane while the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) OFF switch indicator light is turned off.
The system becomes operational when all of the following conditions are met.
The system detects white (yellow) lane lines on both the right and left sides or on either side.
The vehicle speed is about 60 km/h (37 mph) or faster.
The vehicle is driven on a straight road or road with gentle curves.
The engine is running.
The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) goes on stand-by status in the following cases:
The system cannot detect white (yellow) lane lines.
The vehicle speed is less than about 60 km/h (37 mph).
The vehicle is making a sharp curve.
The vehicle is making a curve at an inappropriate speed.
The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) remains on stand-by until it detects white (yellow) lines on both the left and right sides, or on either side.
When the system detects a white (yellow) lane line on one side only, the system will not activate warnings for the lane line on the side that is not 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 Setting Change (Personalization Features) (Search).
Vehicle lane line display
When the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) becomes operational while on standby, the vehicle lane lines are displayed in the multi-information display and the active driving display. The system changes to operational status display when the system detects a white (yellow) line on either the left or right.
(Stand-by status)
(Operational status)
Auto cancel
In the following cases, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is automatically canceled, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning indication (amber) turns on, and an alert is displayed. When the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) become operational, the system turns back on automatically.
The temperature inside the camera is high or low.
The windshield around the camera is foggy.
The windshield around the camera is blocked by an obstruction, causing poor forward visibility.
(Auto cancel of warnings)
When the following operations are performed, the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) determines that the driver intends to make a lane change and the system operation is canceled automatically. The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is resumes automatically after the operation.
The steering wheel is operated abruptly.
The brake pedal is depressed.
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
(To cancel the automatic sensitivity cancel function, deselect “Warning sensitivity” in the personalization features setting.)
The turn signal lever is operated.
The vehicle crosses a lane line.
“Smart City Brake Support Activated” is displayed in the multi-information display while the SCBS brakes or the brake assist (SCBS brake assist) is operating.
The collision warning beep sounds intermittently while the SCBS brake or brake assist (SCBS brake assist) is operating.
If the vehicle is stopped by the SCBS operation and the brake pedal is not depressed, the warning beep sounds one time after about 2 seconds and the SCBS brake is automatically released.
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system can be temporarily deactivated.
Refer to Personalization 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.
Your vehicle is equipped with a radar sensor (front).
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) functions by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead or an obstruction sent from the radar sensor.
The radar sensor (front) is mounted behind the front emblem.
If “Front Radar Sensor Blocked” is displayed in the multi-information display of the instrument cluster, clean the area around the radar sensor (front).
Heed the following precautions to assure correct operation of each system.
Do not adhere stickers (including transparent stickers) to the surface of the radiator grille and front emblem in and around the radar sensor (front), and do not replace the radiator grille and front emblem with any product that is not a genuine product designed for use with the radar sensor (front).
The radar sensor (front) includes a function for detecting soiling of the radar sensor's front surface and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may require time to detect or it may not detect plastic shopping bags, ice or snow. If this occurs, the system may not operate correctly, therefore always keep the radar sensor (front) clean.
Do not install a grille guard.
If the front part of the vehicle has been damaged in a vehicle accident, the position of the radar sensor (front) may have moved. Stop the system immediately and always have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Do not use the front bumper to push other vehicles or obstructions such as when pulling out of a parking space. Otherwise, the radar sensor (front) could be hit and its position deviated.
Do not remove, disassemble, or modify the radar sensor (front).
For repairs, replacement or paint work around the radar sensor (front), consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Do not modify the suspension. If the suspension are modified, the vehicle's posture could change and the radar sensor (front) may not be able to correctly detect a vehicle ahead or an obstruction.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensor (front) may not be able to detect vehicles ahead or obstructions correctly and each system may not operate normally.
The rear surface of a vehicle ahead does not reflect radio waves effectively, such as an unloaded trailer or an automobile with a loading platform covered by a soft top, vehicles with a hard plastic tailgate, and round-shaped vehicles.
Vehicles ahead with low vehicle height and thus less area for reflecting radio waves.
Visibility is reduced due to a vehicle ahead casting off water, snow, or sand from its tires and onto your windshield.
The luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats are occupied.
Ice, snow, or soiling is on the front surface of the front emblem.
During inclement weather such as rain, snow, or sand storms.
When driving near facilities or objects emitting strong radio waves.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensor (front) may not be able to detect vehicles ahead or obstructions.
The beginning and end of a curve.
Roads with continuous curves.
Narrow lane roads due to road construction or lane closures.
The vehicle ahead enters the radar sensor's blind spot.
The vehicle ahead is running abnormally due to accident or vehicle damage.
Roads with repeated up and down slopes
Driving on poor roads or unpaved roads.
The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is extremely short.
A vehicle suddenly comes close such as by cutting into the lane.
To prevent incorrect operation of the system, use tires of the same specified size, manufacturer, brand, and tread pattern on all four wheels. In addition, do not use tires with significantly different wear patterns or tire pressures on the same vehicle (Including the temporary spare tire).
If the battery power is weak, the system may not operate correctly.
When driving on roads with little traffic and few vehicles ahead or obstructions for the radar sensor (front) to detect, “Front Radar Sensor Blocked” may be temporarily displayed, however, this does not indicate a problem.
Your vehicle is equipped with radar sensors (rear). The following systems also use the radar sensors (rear).
Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
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 sensor.
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right sides.
Always keep the surface of the rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) clean so that the radar sensors (rear) operate normally. Also, do not apply items such as stickers.
Refer to Exterior Care (Search).
If the rear bumper receives a severe impact, the system may no longer operate normally. Stop the system immediately and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The detection ability of the radar sensors (rear) has limitations. In the following cases, the detection ability may lower and the system may not operate normally.
The rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) has become deformed.
Snow, ice or mud adheres to the radar sensors (rear) on the rear bumper.
Under bad weather conditions such as rain, snow and fog.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it may be difficult to detect them.
Stationary objects on a road or a road side such as small, two-wheeled vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, and shopping carts.
Vehicle shapes which do not reflect radar waves well such as empty trailers with a low vehicle height and sports cars.
Vehicles are shipped with the direction of the radar sensors (rear) adjusted for each vehicle to a loaded vehicle condition so that the radar sensors (rear) detect approaching vehicles correctly. If the direction of the radar sensors (rear) has deviated for some reason, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
For repairs or replacement of the radar sensors (rear), or bumper repairs, paintwork, and replacement near the radar sensors, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Turn off the system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the radar will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
The radar sensors are regulated by the relevant radio wave laws of the country in which the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is driven abroad, authorization from the country in which the vehicle is driven may be required.