Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Available/Premium model only)

FUNCTION
Uses advanced technology to anticipate an unavoidable collision; maintains a set driving speed or following distance

BENEFIT
Provides an extra measure of safety and peace of mind for CT 200h drivers and their passengers

DETAILS
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is an available amenity on CT 200h Premium models. The system uses a millimeter-wave radar sensor mounted behind the front grille to recognize a vehicle or obstacle in the radar detection area in front of the CT 200h. If an object is present within range of the millimeter-wave sensor, the radar detects the distance to the object, the relative speed and the course based on the reflected waves and reacts to the input of the Pre-Collision System.

The PCS consists of three operations: pre-collision (collision is deemed to be unavoidable), front or rear wheel skid tendency, and emergency braking. In a pre-collision operation, the driving support ECU determines an unavoidable collision condition based on signals from radar, speed, steering angle, and yaw rate and deceleration sensors. The driving support ECU then outputs requests to set Brake Assist (BA) to standby mode, to the air suspension and steering controls, and to the seatbelt ECU. While the seatbelt control ECU retracts the front seatbelts by operating the Pre-tensioners, BA applies optimum braking force based on signals from the master cylinder pressure sensor. All of this occurs without any driver intervention to help mitigate the effects of an imminent accident. If no collision occurs, the seatbelts and BA return to their normal states. In front or rear wheel skid tendency and emergency braking, the PCS operates only the seatbelt retraction function, with seatbelts returning to their normal state when the relevant condition of the vehicle is stabilized.

Using the same millimeter-wave radar sensor as the PCS, the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System appropriately controls the engine throttle position and brakes to maintain either a constant speed (when there is no vehicle in front of the CT 200h) or a constant following speed between the CT 200h and a vehicle traveling directly in front of it. Like the conventional cruise controls, controls for Dynamic Radar Cruise Control are mounted on the stalk to the right side of the steering wheel, conveniently positioned to maximize accessibility while minimizing distraction. There's also a Distance Control switch, located on the right steering pad.

The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System consists of two cruise control modes—Constant Speed Control and Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control. Constant Speed Control operates like conventional cruise control and is used when no vehicle is traveling ahead of the CT 200h to maintain a constant set vehicle speed. Also, Constant Speed Control has a lower settable vehicle speed limit of 25 mph, versus 30 mph for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control.

Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control allows the driver to select and maintain a constant vehicle-to-vehicle distance in three stages—long, middle or short—by using the Distance Control steering pad switch located on the right side of the steering wheel. Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control also includes Deceleration Control, which reduces the speed of the CT 200h in accordance with the vehicle ahead, when the system detects that the vehicle ahead is traveling at a slower speed. Follow-up Control, which operates after Deceleration Control, enables the CT 200h to maintain a vehicle-to-vehicle distance proportionate to the speed of the vehicle ahead. Acceleration Control is when the system detects that either the vehicle ahead or the CT 200h has changed lanes and accelerates gradually to a set vehicle speed, then maintains that speed.

Drivers can monitor the status of the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System—set vehicle speed, constant speed mode, vehicle-to-vehicle distance and vehicle ahead—via the multi-information display. Warning messages, which indicate system failure, are displayed as well including “Check PCS System,” “PCS Not Available,” “Clean Radar Sensor,” “Cruise Control Not Available” and “Check Cruise Control System.”

While this feature is designed to enhance safety, there are limitations to the system, which make it imperative to understand that only the driver (not the Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control) has the ability to recognize and avoid obstacles or execute emergency avoidance maneuvers.

The PCS will not operate under the following conditions:
Oncoming vehicle speed is approximately 20 mph or less
CT 200h vehicle speed is approximately 3 mph or less
The seatbelt is not buckled
Collision object is not detected by the radar sensor (i.e., plastic items such as safety cones; items that cannot be detected in a stable manner such as people, bicycles, motorcycles, trees, animals, snow, fences, etc.)
Power source is in “OFF” or “ACC” position
PCS switch is “OFF”
Multi-information display indicates “Check PCS System” or “PCS Not Available Now”
The CT 200h collides with an object located outside the detection area of the radar sensor