LEXUS is offering a new optional package of four safety-orientated technologies for the recently introduced IS – at least for buyers of the top of the range Premier models.
The first is PCS, or Pre-Crash Safety system, which pairs a radar with lots of computer processing power in order to predict any likely collision.
The driver gets audible and visual warnings of the impending danger and the seat-belt pre-tensioners are activated. If the driver brakes, braking effort is supplemented; in the absence of any braking action from the driver, if a collision appears inevitable, the car will even brake automatically to lessen the impact speed.
[contentblock id=6 img=gcb.png]
The second system is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which modifies the selected cruise speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
The third is a Lane Departure Alert (LDA) system that monitors road markings using a camera mounted on the rear-view mirror and warns the driver if the car is deviating from its lane without the indicators being used.
Finally, Automatic High Beam (AHB) automatically dips the headlamps when the system detects the lights of an oncoming vehicle.
The combined price for the four new features is £1540. Mercedes has already announced similar systems but only for more expensive cars such as the forthcoming new S-Class – not for the C-Class, the sort of business car with which the Lexus IS will be competing.