Singapore 2018: Subaru EyeSight Makes ASEAN Debut In Singapore-Specs XV and Outback

Further to our earlier report on the impending ASEAN debut of Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in nine Asian countries has today launched EyeSight in Singapore.

The feature made its debut in the all-new Subaru XV and the new Subaru Outback.

Compared to the all-new XV that was launched in Malaysia earlier in December, this EyeSight-equipped Singapore market XV is imported from Japan while the ones sold in Malaysia are locally-assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant in Segambut, thus the omission of EyeSight from our local XV.

As for EyeSight’s introduction to other regional markets including Malaysia, Glenn Tan, Managing Director of Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL), the parent company of Motor Image have explained in an earlier interview with Carlist.my that EyeSight is in the plans for Malaysia but introduction of the feature will have to begin with a higher range model like the Outback before it can be offered to lower range models like the XV.

Analogous to the Honda Sensing function that’s currently offered in the all-new CR-V and updated Accord, Subaru EyeSight is an advanced driving assistance function that works to mitigate/reduce the severity of an accident caused by a distracted driver. However unlike Honda’s system which uses a combination of milimetre wave radar and monocular camera, Subaru’s EyeSight relies purely on a pair of stereoscopic cameras mounted behind the rear-view mirror.

Subaru’s alternative also lacks one function – a fatigue reducing Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) function, which is slightly different from the collision mitigating Lane Departure Warning. However, EyeSight counters that with the added convenience of Lead Vehicle Start Alert, which is not available in the Malaysian market Honda Sensing. Lead Vehicle Start Alert gives a buzz if the vehicle ahead in traffic has driven off and the driver is not responding. The newer version of Honda Sensing offered in Japan is equipped with this function but it’s not available in our region yet.

Subaru’s EyeSight has six main functions:

• Pre-Collision Braking - warns the driver with a buzzer and a light on the dash. If the driver still does not take evasive action to avoid the collision, the system can automatically apply the brakes to reduce any impact or, if possible, prevent the collision

• Adaptive Cruise Control - adjusts the speed to keep a set distance from the lead vehicle by monitoring the distance and the difference of the speed

• Pre-Collision Throttle Management - When EyeSight sees an obstacle in front but the driver shifts the transmission into Drive instead of Reverse, Pre-Collision Throttle Management sounds several short beeps, turns on a flashing indicator and cuts the engine output to avoid a frontal collision

• Lane Departure Warning – warns when the vehicle starts to sway to the edge of a lane (without signaling) when travelling at speeds of 50 km/h or more
• Lane Sway Warning – helps you stay alert with a buzzer and a flashing indicator. It only activates at speeds of approximately 60 km/h or more

• Lead Vehicle Start Alert - When you’re at a stop and EyeSight senses that traffic has started moving again, Lead Vehicle Start Alert prompts the driver to take action with a buzzer and a flashing indicator

Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) functions like those included in Subaru EyeSight are becoming increasingly important as fitment of one or more ADAS functions are now taken into consideration for a 5-star NCAP rating, not just by Euro NCAP but also our very own ASEAN NCAP. Even Perodua is now offering its such features under the ASA (Advanced Safety Assist) name, albeit with a far lower set of capabilities than the systems used by Subaru or Honda, but appreciated nonetheless especially in a budget car. 

 We will have more information on Subaru’s EyeSight and details of its workings later tomorrow.