Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Our Fleet Test Drive: Mazda 3 - 10th report
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Our Fleet Test Drive: Mazda 3 - 10th report

Date: 14 October 2014   |   Author: Hugh Hunston

Smart braking system on the 3 intervenes as it should, but puzzles unwitting spouse

Confession time. I forgot to warn my wife that the long-term Mazda 3 had the Smart City Brake Support system lurking within its portfolio of active electronic safety aids.

When she was cut up by an aggressive white van man on a frantic Oxford rush-hour roundabout it did what it was designed to do - intervening to slam on the brakes without consulting a bemused Mrs Hunston.

No damage done, except to frayed nerves, as the SCBS reacted to laser sensors detecting an imminent rear-end shunt below 20mph within a closing distance of six metres. Thankfully, following drivers, or maybe their equivalent SCBS, were alert to the automatic emergency braking up front.

The pace of technological development dictates that advanced safety kit such as SCBS, spawning sundry automotive acronyms, cascade from erstwhile upscale products, to become standard equipment.

With Mazda's CX-5 SUV the system can be isolated or switched off, but there is no choice on the 3 and 6, signalling that some form of brake intervention will become a statutory EU requirement, like ABS and traction control.

Mazda 3 2.2 150 SE-L Nav OUR CPM ?51.3p
 
Mileage 6004
P11D price £21,690
Our average consumption 50.9mpg
Official combined consumption 68.9mpg
Forecast CPM 49.9p

Verdict


  • Active safety features can avoid crashes
  • Dealers should brief on tech interventions

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