As cars become increasingly software-based, traditional purchase indicators, such as so-called acceleration times, are starting to be replaced by more thoughtful options.
Currently, a combination of enhanced safety measures, new driver-assist technologies, and design principles that prioritize the driver are at the forefront when considering the purchase of a new vehicle.
In the case of Mazda, this situation presents an interesting challenge. How do you design a car that is as safe as possible while still providing driving pleasure? And to take things a step further, as Mazda has been doing with its proactive safety philosophy, how can technology be used to create a collision-free automotive society that empowers drivers?
“We offer automotive safety technology that allows you to enjoy driving without it getting in the way”, said Takahiro Tochioka, director of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) program in Mazda’s strategic development planning department.
Formally known as Mazda Proactive Safety, this perspective serves as the cornerstone of Mazda’s research and development department, having been initially introduced in the early 2010s. It was here that Mazda doubled down on creating innovative safety features.
With a renewed focus on vehicle hardware, everything—from the driver’s seat position to the field of vision—has been meticulously examined and, if necessary, subjected to a broader re-evaluation of vehicle chassis to enhance their safety performance.
A second phase followed, focusing more on software and technology. Already strongly committed to enhanced safety measures, Mazda aimed to reach the next level and began working on even more advanced features. The culmination of this process was the development of a set of safety technologies called i-Activsense—including millimeter-wave radars, cameras, lane departure warnings, and automatic headlight switching—designed to help the driver be aware of potential road safety risks in front of the vehicle.
The newly launched Mazda CX-80 comes standard with a wide range of safety features, including Mazda’s advanced i-Activsense safety technology, which includes systems such as Road Keep Assist, which provides alerts and assistance if it detects that the vehicle is drifting off the road, Blind Spot Monitoring for lane changes, and a 360° Monitor with See-Through View.
“In order to integrate this type of technology, we had to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that our innovation did not violate any laws or regulations, while also improving road safety for drivers and passengers,” said Koichi Kojima, who is also the director of the ADAS program at Mazda.
