Honda launches first 'predictive' cruise control

Honda CR-V will be the first car with "Predictive' cruise control

The i-ACC (for Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control), the technology is able to predict when other drivers cut into your lane. The system differs from traditional adaptive cruise control systems in that it keeps an eye on cars in neighboring lanes and their movements, using its camera and radar and a specially developed algorithm. When a car cuts into your lane, the system will apply the brakes gradually, responding up to five seconds earlier than current adaptive cruise control systems.

Current systems are designed primarily to keep a pre-determined distance in front, so when cars cut in unexpectedly the braking can be harsh.

European market Honda CR-Vs will be the first cars to adopt i-ACC. In that region, drivers often travel between the UK, which drives on the left, and the rest of Europe, which drives on the right. The technology is smart enough to recognize which country you are in and adapt accordingly, monitoring the lanes that cars are more likely to merge from.

European Honda CR-Vs also receive a new 1.6L i-DTEC diesel engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission. i-ACC will be available on 2015 model year cars, solely on the Executive trim level.

Now that cars can predict lane cutting, hopefully we can see the road rage go down.

Audi A3 & S3 score 5 stars in US NCAP tests

 2015 Audi A3 Sedan

Audi S3 Saloon

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) used by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) is a very important step for any new model looking to be successful on the American market. The A3 sedan is the only European premium compact model that received the full 5 stars from the NHTSA. 

The A3 and S3 offer multiple advanced technology features such as Audi Pre Sense Basic System which helps detect when an emergency maneuver is being made and prepares the vehicle and its occupants restraint systems for a possible collision. This system is part of Audi's optional Advanced Technology Package which also comes with Audi Active Lane Aassist and Audi Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go.

The secondary collision brake assist, a system that automatically brakes the car after a collision so as to prevent another one taking place in nearby or oncoming traffic should the driver be incapacitated.