Frightening Adaptive Cruise

[Aitch1]

Adaptive cruise control is an option I've always yearned for when looking at new cars, but having now experienced it I'm not sure I like it. In town traffic within 30/40mph zones it's excellent..brakes and accelerates nice and smooth, although sometimes needing a nudge of the left centre button to overcome the inertia. Out on the open road it seems to develop an evil streak, cruising along nicely behind the car in front, braking progressively when needed and coming to a gentle stop behind the other vehicle. However, when there are no vehicles to follow and you've reached your cruise speed, coming up behind an already stopped vehicle the car keeps ploughing on far beyond what my instincts are telling me to slow down, and then heavily brakes at the last minute! Very unnerving.

 

[Hybrid Ann]

I know exactly what you are saying. It's like daring you to not brake.

 

[Deleted member 18108]

I fear that it's a subtle adaptation of Logan's Run.

 

[KeithS]

The Phantom braking issue when the system mis identifies parked cars, is certainly an issue. Slamming on the brakes could be a safety issue with any vehicle travelling behind. I now get ready with my foot over the accelerator when I see a potential situation developing.
I use the MG PILOT which includes the lane keep assist all the time, and am impressed at the bends in the road that the system will successfully negotiate, although it does like to stick to the left of the lane, sometimes getting rather close to the curb!

 

[Aitch1]

The Phantom braking issue when the system mis identifies parked cars, is certainly an issue. Slamming on the brakes could be a safety issue with any vehicle travelling behind. I now get ready with my foot over the accelerator when I see a potential situation developing.
I use the MG PILOT which includes the lane keep assist all the time, and am impressed at the bends in the road that the system will successfully negotiate, although it does like to stick to the left of the lane, sometimes getting rather close to the curb!

I'm not talking about the issue of braking for parked cars, Keith, although I have experienced that. You can always anticipate that happening, especially if approaching a right hand bend with cars parked on the left. No, what I mean is when the car is trundling along at whatever speed you have it set, and with no cars in front. As you approach, say traffic lights with a car already stopped, your own car seems to leave it till the last minute before is applies the brakes. It's not a gentle deceleration, but an abrupt brake application which is enough to lurch you forward in your seat. If you physically drove like that on a test you would fail.

 

[KeithS]

I'm not talking about the issue of braking for parked cars, Keith, although I have experienced that. You can always anticipate that happening, especially if approaching a right hand bend with cars parked on the left. No, what I mean is when the car is trundling along at whatever speed you have it set, and with no cars in front. As you approach, say traffic lights with a car already stopped, your own car seems to leave it till the last minute before is applies the brakes. It's not a gentle deceleration, but an abrupt brake application which is enough to lurch you forward in your seat. If you physically drove like that on a test you would fail.

Right, yes I know what you mean. In fairness whilst not as smooth as the system on my Genesis, it's usually not too bad in my car, although it does leave braking a bit longer than I would like.
Also as with my other car, it's important to look at the graphic display and anticipate, in order to check it identifies a car in front, which is not always the case of your coming round a corner, or changed lane when approaching traffic lights.

 

[Cooperman]

I'm not talking about the issue of braking for parked cars, Keith, although I have experienced that. You can always anticipate that happening, especially if approaching a right hand bend with cars parked on the left. No, what I mean is when the car is trundling along at whatever speed you have it set, and with no cars in front. As you approach, say traffic lights with a car already stopped, your own car seems to leave it till the last minute before is applies the brakes. It's not a gentle deceleration, but an abrupt brake application which is enough to lurch you forward in your seat. If you physically drove like that on a test you would fail.

Have you tried adjusting the distance setting? Does it still do this set at the maximum think this is 3?

 

[Aitch1]

Have you tried adjusting the distance setting? Does it still do this set at the maximum think this is 3?

Yes, I always make sure the distance setting is on 3. I've had to reach a compromise in that where the circumstances as I've described arise, I use manual braking. Otherwise I'm quite happy with the adaptive cruise, it's ideal for suburban driving and especially in congested areas.

Right, yes I know what you mean. In fairness whilst not as smooth as the system on my Genesis, it's usually not too bad in my car, although it does leave braking a bit longer than I would like.
Also as with my other car, it's important to look at the graphic display and anticipate, in order to check it identifies a car in front, which is not always the case of your coming round a corner, or changed lane when approaching traffic lights.

Hi Keith. I'll take note of what you say, although I'm fairly certain I do check these things.

 

[Big Ears]

I'm not talking about the issue of braking for parked cars, Keith, although I have experienced that. You can always anticipate that happening, especially if approaching a right hand bend with cars parked on the left. No, what I mean is when the car is trundling along at whatever speed you have it set, and with no cars in front. As you approach, say traffic lights with a car already stopped, your own car seems to leave it till the last minute before is applies the brakes. It's not a gentle deceleration, but an abrupt brake application which is enough to lurch you forward in your seat. If you physically drove like that on a test you would fail.

In this situation, a bit of engaging brain might be advised H

I try to turn off lane assist as soon as it wakes up I only use ACC on motorways or dual carriageways really, I'd use it more but having to delve into the gubbins on the screen is not good when driving, it has it's own dedicated button so should be there all the time, not sure what the other options are or what they do yet.

 

[Aitch1]

Adaptive cruise control is an option I've always yearned for when looking at new cars, but having now experienced it I'm not sure I like it. In town traffic within 30/40mph zones it's excellent..brakes and accelerates nice and smooth, although sometimes needing a nudge of the left centre button to overcome the inertia. Out on the open road it seems to develop an evil streak, cruising along nicely behind the car in front, braking progressively when needed and coming to a gentle stop behind the other vehicle. However, when there are no vehicles to follow and you've reached your cruise speed, coming up behind an already stopped vehicle the car keeps ploughing on far beyond what my instincts are telling me to slow down, and then heavily brakes at the last minute! Very unnerving.

Further to my comments in this post, I have an update. After experimenting with ACC with ICA I've found a nice compromise and it works a treat. I now use this method in most of my driving. Turn ACC on with the middle left hand button, adjust your speed up or down by moving the left hand silver toggle, once for increments of one, hold for increments of five. When coming up behind an already stopped vehicle, lightly touch the brakes when your instincts tell you to, slow down with regen and brakes as needed, accelerate if needed by pushing the toggle up to restart ACC. If stopped, move off with a light touch on the gas pedal and release...the car resumes ACC. In traffic with varying speed limits, use the left toggle to move up or slow down. Once you've got used to this method you realise how good the MG3 behaves. Additionally, you are always within the speed limit, which is brilliant in town traffic as it avoids all that braking and accelerating. I've revised my opinion of the MG3, Ann, I am definitely settling down to enjoy driving again.