Subaru's Incredible Car Safety Technology That Works Like A Second Set of Eyes

The era of autonomous vehicles is upon us. Though talk has been mainly focused on fully driverless cars, Subaru is offering the next best thing with its semi-autonomous safety features.

Motor Image, the Asian region's official distributor for Subaru, recently launched the latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology at the Singapore Motorshow 2018. The ASEAN debut was accompanied by the EyeSight-equipped Outback and XV.

“EyeSight completes Subaru’s core technology pillars to present a wholesome and attractive package for customers who are looking for the highest standards of safety, driving performance and comfort in a car," shares Glenn Tan, managing director at Tan Chong International Limited.

IMAGE COURTESY SUBARU

EyeSight’s sophisticated technology identifies surrounding vehicles, different obstacles, traffic lanes, and road markings through the use of built-in stereo cameras—much like a second set of eyes. The driving assistant system brings safety to a whole new level, with six main functions that guide drivers while minimizing the risks of a collision or in some instances, completely preventing it.

The first function, Pre-Collision Braking, alarms users in the event of a collision with a combination of sound and light from the dashboard. If no immediate action is taken, the system automatically applies the brakes. As a semi-autonomous safety feature, it lessens the impact of collisions but when coupled with action, it can prevent it entirely.

IMAGE COURTESY SUBARU

IMAGE COURTESY SUBARU

Not to be confused with Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management activates when EyeSight sees an obstacle while the vehicle is in drive instead of reverse. This safety feature is particularly useful when you forget to shift driving modes. When that happens, EyeSight initiates timed beeps paired with a flashing indicator on the screen, and then, completely cuts the engine output to prevent a collision.

Subaru prides itself with providing an enjoyable driving experience to consumers, and while it hasn't ruled out autonomous cars, the automaker stresses that EyeSight is merely a tool to help drivers. As such, the safety feature can be bypassed in the event of emergencies. Pre-Collision Throttle Management is deactivated within seconds if force is continually applied on the gas pedal.

IMAGE COURTESY SUBARU

IMAGE COURTESY SUBARU

Two of EyeSight’s functions namely Lane Departure Warning and Lane Sway Warning inform you when you drift away from your lane. When driving at speeds of 50km/h, Lane Departure Warning activates when you depart your lane without signaling. Meanwhile, Lane Sway Warning tracks road markings and sets off a buzzer and flashing indicator if you swerve at speeds of 60km/h or more.

EyeSight’s most impressive features are Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert which are both close to autonomous driving. Aside from maintaining speed, Adaptive Cruise Control follows the speed of the lead vehicle and tracks it at your preferred set distance. With your foot off the pedal, the feature keeps your vehicle in line with the traffic flow. Meanwhile, Lead Vehicle Start Alert alerts the driver with a buzzer and flashing indicator once the lead vehicle has moved. This feature is particularly useful during heavy traffic.

Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology will be available on the Subaru Impreza, Levorg, Outback and XV. The all-new Outback and XV will be available for booking at Subaru Philippines Showrooms nationwide starting April 5, 2018.

Motor Image Pilipinas, 187 Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, San Juan; 727.8333; subaru-global.com.