India's First Skoda Slavia Fitted With Level 2 ADAS [Video]
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features are becoming increasingly common in India. As they play a key role in ensuring vehicle safety, more buyers are now insisting on having this technology on their cars and SUVs. Despite being a popular model, the Skoda Slavia doesn't feature ADAS in its current generation. A user has now installed a level 2 ADAS kit on his Slavia, in what looks like a custom mod job. A video of this has now surfaced on YouTube.
In it, we see the user engaging the Lane Keep Assist (LKA). An 'Active Lane Guidance' is also part of the package. Later the LKA is deactivated. 'Traffic Sign Recognition' and 'Automatic High Beam Assist' are also on offer. This video, however, doesn't show these features in action.
The ADAS kit shown in the video has been installed by Kolkata-based 'Code My Wheels'. This company provides various code-based services like disabling speed chimes, seat belt warnings, door open warnings etc on Skoda and Volkswagen cars. Their codes could also unlock hidden features in these vehicles, without the customer having to lose warranty or land in technical troubles. The ADAS upgrade reportedly costs Rs 30,000+ installation charges.
More About Level 2 ADAS Features
Level 2 ADAS brings about partial automation. In addition to the throttle automation provided on Level 1 ADAS suites, it adds steering and brake assists as well. Level 2 ADAS-equipped vehicles can accelerate, decelerate and steer on its own. It would still want the driver to remain alert and be ready to take control at any time. Most cars use both camera and LIDAR feeds to analyse and employe level 2 ADAS functions. Such a setup is more accurate than one that solely relies on a camera feed.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) are some of the most common Level 2 ADAS features. Let's discuss these in detail.
The Lane Keep Assist (LKA) uses the camera to read and understand the lane markings around. It keeps a watch for any unintentional lane departure and issues a warning to the driver if there is one. The vehicle could then give a corrective steering input to stay within the lane.
Adaptive Cruise Control uses sensors and camera feeds to detect objects (vehicles) in the front and adjust the vehicle's speed accordingly, maintaining a smooth drive. If the vehicle in front accelerates, the ADAS car will also accelerate, still maintaining a safe distance. If it slows down, ACC automatically reduces speed, still maintaining a safe distance. This feature can be of great use on Indian roads. It reduces driver fatigue to a great extent, especially on long journeys.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) warns the driver of an imminent collision, whenever the LIDAR and camera feeds detect the possibility of one. The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) goes a step further and applies the brakes automatically to prevent the collision from happening.
Will The Slavia Get ADAS In Future?
Skoda is known to be working on a facelift to the Slavia and Kushaq. These will pack a lot of key improvements. One among them would be the addition of a level 2 ADAS suite. The new Slavia will get a 360 degree camera along with ADAS. We expect it to be out in May, next year. The carmaker has plans to roll out ADAS on the entire MQB A0-IN range, step by step...