Subaru offers EyeSight tech on manual BRZ

SUBARU Australia will introduce its EyeSight driver assistance and safety technology on manual examples of the BRZ from later this year.

Previously available only in conjunction with an automatic transmission, the inclusion of the safety system on manual models will offer buyers an extended array of important technologies, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and more.

The news comes just hours after Subaru headquarters announced similar timing for the availability of EyeSight in domestic examples of the BRZ. It means the only manual-equipped version of the range now sold without EyeSight locally is the WRX.

Subaru says the introduction of the technology on manual versions of the BRZ reaffirms its commitment to safety and reinforces the brand’s dedication to introducing advanced safety features across the range.

“This announcement confirms Subaru Australia’s ongoing commitment to providing driving enthusiasts manual transmission options now combined with advanced safety features of Eyesight,” said Subaru Australia managing director, Blair Read.

“The preventive safety technology combined with adaptive cruise ensure a relaxed performance drive, giving owners the best of both worlds.”

Subaru first introduced the stereoscopic camera-based safety technology in the Japanese domestic market in 2008, before debuting the system on Australian delivered Liberty and Outback models from 2012.

The system uses a pair of cameras mounted at the top of the windscreen to help detect, minimise and avoid collisions.

In addition to monitoring other vehicles, it can also detect vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians, and determine their shape, distance, and speed of travel.

Locally, vehicles equipped with EyeSight offer pre-collision braking system and brake assist, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, brake light recognition, lane keep assist, lane sway and lane departure warnings, and lead vehicle start alert.

In overseas markets, EyeSight is offered as a four-camera system with rear-end protection and 360-degree coverage that further improve safety performance in all weather conditions while sensing potential risks from all directions.

Subaru says vehicles fitted with the technology are involved in 40 per cent fewer pedestrian-related collisions and 16 per cent fewer rear-end collisions than those without it.

EyeSight – which is fitted to some 91 per cent of all Subaru models sold globally – will be updated again from 2025 with an AI-enhanced version that will offer an even greater breadth of capabilities.

These are tipped to include the ability to detect people laying on the road, the ability to detect dulled or obscured lane markings, provide hands-off driving in certain scenarios, and the ability for the vehicle to self-park.

In this way, Subaru says its camera-based technology is not only a differentiator for the brand, but a system which offers benefits other systems cannot.

Speaking to Automotive News late last year, Subaru Lab deputy director, Toru Saito, said stereoscopic imagery is far better than lidar for its ability to triangulate objects from multiple angles.

“The use of stereo camera has a huge advantage in connection with AI,” said Mr Saito.

“Other carmakers pursue a multi-solution approach and use radars, monocular cameras, and lidar. But stereo cameras can do what these three technologies can do individually.”

Subaru Australia said it will provide more information about the updated BRZ range, including specification and pricing, closer to the model’s launch.