Mazda has developed a new advanced safety technology called ‘Smart City Brake Support’ (SCBS), which helps a driver to avoid a frontal collision when driving at low speeds in the city or in slow moving traffic. The SCBS system will make its first appearance fitted as standard on the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, which goes on sale this spring.

The SCBS system uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front of the Mazda CX-5 and if the driver fails to slow the vehicle appropriately, or to take avoiding action, SCBS automatically activates the brakes and reduces the engine output at the same time.

When driving at speeds between 2.5 and 19mph, a laser sensor mounted at the top of the windscreen detects a vehicle or obstacle in front of the car and monitors the gap and the closing speed. If the SCBS calculates that there is a risk of a collision occurring – if the driver were to take no action – it pre-pressures the braking system. This ensures a faster response when the driver activates the brakes or, if the driver fails to perform any avoidance manoeuvre or apply the brakes, an automatic braking operation is activated. Effective when the speed difference between the driver’s car and the vehicle in front is less than 19mph, the system is designed to avoid or mitigate the damage from a collision.