Mazda has come up with a new brake support system called the SCBS, and the first car to get it is the new CX-5 crossover.
SCBS stands for Smart City Brake Support, and it’s like a rudimentary version of the auto braking system you get in the Mercedes S-Class. The system detects the obstacles in front of the car, adjusts the braking power, and, if the driver is paying no attention, brings the car to a halt.
The SCBS system uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front. The way it applies the brakes is pretty smart. It adjusts it with enough power to stop the car in time, but not too rigorously that it gets rear-ended by the car behind. The SCBS system also includes Acceleration Control for Automatic Transmission, which helps avoid unintentional acceleration that could be caused by depressing the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.
Here’s some more technical details on how the system works:
* Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
When driving from approximately 4 – 30km/h, a laser sensor mounted at the top of the front windshield glass detects a vehicle or obstacle in front of the car and reduces brake rotor travel to quicken braking when the system calculates that there is a risk of a collision occurring. Next, if the driver fails to perform any avoidance maneuver such as applying the brake, an automatic braking operation is activated. When the speed difference between the driver’s car and the vehicle in front is less than 30km/h, the system is designed to avoid, or mitigate the damage from a collision.
* Acceleration Control for Automatic Transmission
If a driver accelerates when an obstacle in front has been detected by the SCBS’ laser sensor, the system alerts the driver with an alarm sound and an indicator. At the same time, engine output is curbed to stop unintended acceleration.
Mazda is intensifying its safety-related research and development efforts, aiming for the ultimate goal of realizing an accident-free and safe motorized society. Mazda intends to extend its advanced safety technologies, such as SCBS, to upcoming new models, starting with the Mazda CX-5, to provide all customers with driving pleasure together with outstanding environmental and safety performance.
* * Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and Acceleration Control for Automatic Transmission systems are designed to minimize damage from accidents and alleviate the burden of driving, based on the premise that the driver is driving in a safe manner. Please be aware that the performance of the system may be impacted by road conditions, weather conditions, the state of the vehicle and driving conditions.
