Honda Civic Hatchback: Blind Spot Monitoring Feature Explained

Blind-spot monitoring is an important safety feature in modern cars that helps drivers avoid collisions when changing lanes or merging into traffic. Honda has integrated blind-spot monitoring into many of its current models, including the Honda Civic. The Honda Civic is a popular compact car known for its sporty design and fuel efficiency. While the Civic does come with Honda's LaneWatch™ system, which uses a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror to display a live video feed of the car's blind spot, it is unclear if this system is standard on all Civic models. Some sources indicate that only the EX and above trims include the full safety suite, including blind-spot monitoring. Others suggest that the base model LX may also have blind-spot monitoring, at least in certain regions like Canada. As of 2019, Honda is phasing out the LaneWatch system in favor of traditional blind-spot monitoring systems.

Honda Civic hatchback's LaneWatch™ system

Honda's LaneWatch™ system is an innovative feature that enhances driver safety and confidence. Introduced in 2012, the LaneWatch™ system is a clever alternative to traditional blind-spot monitoring systems. Instead of relying solely on sensors, LaneWatch™ utilises a camera-based approach to assist drivers in navigating their vehicle's blind spots.

The system incorporates a second backup camera mounted on the right-side mirror of the car. When the driver activates the right-hand turn signal, the live video feed from the camera is overlaid on the infotainment screen, providing a clear view of the vehicle's right-side blind spot. This feature ensures that drivers have an unobstructed view of their surroundings, making lane changes and merging into traffic safer and more manageable.

One of the key advantages of LaneWatch™ is its affordability. Unlike traditional blind-spot monitoring systems that use radar sensors, LaneWatch™ relies solely on a camera and a unique mirror housing, eliminating the need for expensive sensors or additional modifications. This makes it a cost-effective option, particularly for those who desire enhanced safety features without the premium price tag often associated with blind-spot monitoring systems.

However, it's important to note that LaneWatch™ may not be available on all Honda Civic hatchback models. While it was initially offered on six Honda models, including the Civic, some newer models have dropped this feature in favour of traditional blind-spot monitoring systems. As such, it is recommended to verify the specific features included in the desired trim level and model year when considering the purchase of a Honda Civic hatchback.

The LaneWatch™ system has received praise for its simplicity and effectiveness. Even with properly adjusted mirrors, blind spots can still exist, and LaneWatch™ provides an additional layer of assurance. While it may not offer the same level of coverage as monitoring systems that watch two lanes, LaneWatch™ serves as a practical and reliable solution for drivers seeking improved visibility and peace of mind while on the road.

The Blind Spot Information System™

The Blind Spot Information System, also known as BSI, is designed to assist drivers in changing lanes and merging into traffic more safely. It helps detect vehicles to the side and rear of the equipped Honda vehicle, warning the driver of potential hazards that may be in their blind spot. This is especially useful in busy city streets or highways where traffic is constantly changing and a quick lane change can be dangerous.

The system typically alerts the driver with a warning light on the side mirror, although some models may have audible alerts as well. It is important to note that BSI is not a substitute for the driver's own visual assessment before changing lanes, as it may not detect all objects and its accuracy can vary based on factors such as weather, object size, and speed. However, it is a valuable tool that can improve driver awareness and help avoid collisions.

The Honda Civic, a popular compact car known for its sporty design and fuel efficiency, offers the BSI system on select trims. While the base model LX may not include BSI in all regions, the EX and higher trims are typically equipped with the full Honda Sensing safety suite, which includes BSI. The Civic also features LaneWatch™, a camera-based system that projects a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot onto the infotainment screen.

Overall, the Blind Spot Information System offered by Honda is a valuable safety feature that enhances driver awareness and helps prevent collisions. By providing visual and audible alerts, the system improves driver confidence and assists in making safer lane changes and merges. While it is not a substitute for safe driving practices, BSI is a useful tool that can improve the driving experience and enhance safety on the road.

How the Blind Spot Information System works

The Honda Civic is a popular compact car known for its sporty design and fuel efficiency. While some older models of the Honda Civic, such as the 2019 Insight hybrid, featured the LaneWatch™ system, newer models have replaced this with the Blind Spot Information System (BSI). This system uses sensors mounted on the rear bumper to detect vehicles in the blind spot and alerts the driver with a warning light on the side mirror.

The BSI system provides drivers with visual and audible alerts to help detect vehicles to the side and behind their car. This improves driver confidence and can help to avoid collisions when changing lanes or merging into traffic. It is important to note that the system is not a substitute for the driver's own visual assessment before changing lanes, and it may not detect all objects. System accuracy will vary based on weather conditions, the size of the object, and speed.

The Blind Spot Information System is designed to work in conjunction with safe driving practices, such as shoulder checking and head checks, to provide drivers with a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings. While the system offers valuable assistance, it is not perfect and may not always turn on or detect all objects in the blind spot. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant and actively check their surroundings while operating their vehicle.

The BSI system is typically found in higher trim levels of the Honda Civic, such as the EX and above. Lower trim levels, such as the LX, may or may not include the system, depending on the region. In Canada, for example, the LX model is advertised as including the BSI system as standard, while in the United States, it is offered in the EX and higher trims.

LaneWatch vs Blind-Spot Monitoring

Honda's LaneWatch is a camera-based system that projects a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot onto the car's infotainment screen. Introduced in 2012, it is an affordable alternative to blind-spot monitoring, as it does not require expensive sensors or additional modifications. However, LaneWatch has received mixed reviews, with some users finding it distracting and unnecessary, and Honda has decided to phase it out in favour of traditional blind-spot monitoring systems.

Blind-spot monitoring, on the other hand, uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot and alerts the driver with a warning light or sound. This system is now more widely available, with 85% of new vehicles offering it as a feature in 2018. It is also considered the industry standard and is less intrusive than LaneWatch.

One advantage of LaneWatch is that it provides a clear, unobstructed view of the blind spot, allowing drivers to easily see any vehicles, motorcycles, or other objects that may be present. It is also useful in inclement weather or when the windows are foggy, as it does not rely on sensors. Additionally, LaneWatch can be turned on and off as needed, and it can help with locating curbs when parking or turning.

However, one of the limitations of LaneWatch is that it only covers one side of the vehicle, while blind-spot monitoring systems typically monitor both sides. Blind-spot monitoring also provides a more subtle alert, with a flashing indicator and beeping sound, which some users may prefer over the live video feed of LaneWatch.

In terms of the Honda Civic, the 2019 model and earlier versions feature the LaneWatch system. However, it is likely that future models will adopt the traditional blind-spot monitoring system, as Honda shifts away from LaneWatch.

Overall, both systems offer enhanced safety and awareness when changing lanes or merging into traffic. While LaneWatch provides a direct view of the blind spot, blind-spot monitoring offers a more integrated and standardised solution. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the driver.

Honda's decision to phase out LaneWatch

Honda's senior product manager, Gary Robinson, confirmed the shift towards "traditional" blind-spot monitoring systems. This technology uses sensors mounted on the rear bumper to detect vehicles in the blind spot, alerting the driver with a warning light or sound. By late 2018, 85% of new vehicles offered blind-spot monitoring, and it has become a standard feature in luxury cars.

While LaneWatch was praised for its simplicity and practicality, it could not compete with the decreasing cost of sensor-based systems. Honda's decision is likely influenced by the proliferation of blind-spot monitoring across the market, making it a more cost-effective and standardised feature. Additionally, the increasing investment in semi-automated and automated cars, which rely on radar sensor technologies, further contributes to the phase-out of LaneWatch.

As of 2019, Honda models that still offered LaneWatch included the Civic, Clarity, Fit, HR-V, Insight, and Ridgeline. However, with the redesign of these models, LaneWatch is expected to be discontinued. While some drivers express their preference for LaneWatch, others acknowledge the benefits of blind-spot monitoring, especially as a complementary safety feature.

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