Back to the list

Adaptive cruise control

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Adaptive cruise control

Operation

WARNING
This function is an additional driving aid. It can under no circumstances replace the driver's responsibility to respect speed limits or to be vigilant.
The driver must always be in control of the vehicle. The driver must always adapt their speed according to the surroundings and traffic conditions. The adaptive cruise control must only be used on a motorway (or multi-lane road separated by a barrier). The cruise control must not be used in heavy traffic, on winding or slippery roads (black ice, aquaplaning, gravel) or during bad weather (fog, rain, side winds etc.).
There is a risk of accidents.
Based on information from a camera, the adaptive cruise control function gives you the option of maintaining a selected speed, known as the cruising speed, while keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front in the same lane.
The system controls acceleration and deceleration of your vehicle using the engine and braking system.
The system's maximum range is approximately 140 metres. This may vary according to the road conditions (ground relief, weather conditions, etc.)
Tip
The adaptive cruise control does not trigger an emergency stop and its braking capability is limited.
The adaptive cruise control function can be activated from 19 mph (30 km/h), depending on conditions on the road (traffic, weather, etc.).
The function is indicated by the symbol.
Note:
  • the driver must observe the maximum speed limit and safe distances according to the legislation in the country where they are driving;
  • the adaptive cruise control can brake the vehicle up to a third of the braking capacity. Depending on the situation, the driver may need to brake harder.

Location of the camera 1

Make sure the windscreen is not obscured (by dirt, mud, snow, condensation etc.).

Controls

2.
Safe distance settings
3.
Put the function on standby (with cruising speed stored) (0).
4.
Adaptive cruise control main stop/start switch .
5
Activate, store and decrease the cruising speed (SET/-).
6.
Switch to activate and increase cruising speed or to recall the memorised cruising speed (RES/+).

Displays

WARNING
The camera should be kept clean and free of any modifications in order to ensure the proper operation of the system.
7.
Adaptive cruise control warning light.
8.
Vehicle in front.
9.
Stored safe distance
10.
Stored cruising speed.

Switching on

Press the switch 4.
The warning light appears in grey and the "Adaptive cruise control ON" message appears on the instrument panel accompanied by dashes to indicate that the function is activated and waiting to store a cruising speed.
The "Adaptive Cruise Ctl unavailable" message is displayed on the instrument panel.

Activating cruise control

WARNING
Important: you should keep your feet near the pedals at all times to prepare for any event.
While the vehicle is moving at a steady speed, press switch 5 (SET/-) or 6 (RES/+) to activate the function and store the current speed. The minimum cruising speed is 19 mph (30 km/h).
The cruising speed 10 replaces the dashes and the warning light and the cruising speed are displayed in green to confirm that the cruise control function is in operation.
If you try to activate the function above 105 mph (170 km/h) or below 19 mph (30 km/h), the "Invalid Speed" message is displayed and the function will remain inactive.
Once a cruising speed is memorised and the cruise control function is active, you may lift your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Safe distance control activation

As soon as cruise control is activated, the default safe distance 9 is displayed in green on the instrument panel. The default safe distance corresponds to approximately two seconds (see relevant section).
If the system detects a vehicle in your lane, an outline of a vehicle 8 appears above the distance gauge 9 on the instrument panel.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front and applies the brakes if necessary (the brake lights come on) in order to maintain the distance displayed on the instrument panel.
Note: the size of the 8 outline varies according to the distance separating you from the vehicle in front. The larger the outline, the closer the vehicle in front.

Setting the cruising speed

You can vary the speed by repeatedly pressing (small increments) or pressing and holding (large increments) switch 5 or 6:
  • switch (SET/-) 5 to reduce the speed;
  • switch (RES/+) 6 to increase the speed.

Activating cruise control with speed limit sign recognition

(depending on the vehicle)
If the vehicle is equipped with the "Road sign detection" function DETECTION OF ROAD SIGNS, press switch SET/-5 or RES/+6 to adapt the vehicle speed to the speed limits 11 detected by the camera.
When passing the sign, the cruising speed 10 adopts the value of the detected speed 11.

Adjusting the following distance

You can vary the safe distance from the vehicle in front at any time by pressing switch 2 repeatedly.
The horizontal distance gauge on the instrument panel indicates the various available safe distances:
  • distance gauge A: long distance (corresponding to approximately 2.4 seconds);
  • distance gauge B: intermediate distance 2 (corresponding to approximately two seconds);
  • distance gauge C: intermediate distance 1 (corresponding to approximately 1.6 seconds);
  • distance gauge D: short distance (corresponding to approximately 1.2 seconds).
The selected distance gauge appears in green on the instrument panel. The other gauges remain in grey.
Note: the distance must be set according to the traffic level, local regulation and weather conditions.
Tip
The following distance setting is stored by the system between each activation of Adaptive Cruise Control and for the next vehicle start cycle.

Exceeding the cruising speed

The cruising speed may be exceeded at any time by applying the accelerator pedal.
If it is exceeded, the cruising speed 10 appears in red.
Then, release the accelerator pedal: the cruise control and safe distance control will automatically resume the speed and distance instructions that you had previously selected.
The distance gauge flashes if the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front is less than the safe distance selected: the "Safe Distance Control" function is no longer active.

Overtaking manoeuvre

If you wish to overtake the vehicle in front, activating the indicator will temporarily cancel the safe distance control and enable an acceleration speed sufficient to complete overtaking.

Putting the function on standby

WARNING
Putting the adaptive cruise control on standby or switching it off does not cause a rapid reduction in speed: you must brake by pressing the brake pedal if necessary.
You can set the function to standby when:
  • you press switch 3 (0);
  • you apply the brake pedal while the vehicle is moving.
The function is deactivated by the system if:
  • you unbuckle the driver's seat belt;
  • you open one of the opening elements;
  • you press the engine start/stop button;
  • the slope is too steep;
  • the vehicle speed is above 105 mph (170 km/h);
  • certain driving aids and correction devices are triggered (active emergency braking, ABS, ESC, etc.);
  • when you press the clutch pedal for a prolonged period or upon prolonged neutral position on vehicles equipped with a manual gearbox.
If it goes on standby, this is confirmed when the warning lights appear in grey and the "Adaptive Cruise Control disconnected" message appears on the instrument panel.

Exit from standby

Based on the stored cruising speed

If a speed is stored, it can be recalled, once you are sure that the road conditions are suitable (traffic, road surface, weather conditions, etc.).
Press switch 6 (RES/+) within the valid speed range.
When the stored speed is recalled, activation of the cruise control is confirmed by the illumination of the cruising speed in green.
Note: if the stored speed is higher than the current speed, the vehicle will accelerate to reach that speed.

Based on the current speed

When the cruise control is set to standby, pressing switch 5 (SET/-) reactivates the cruise control function without taking into account the stored speed: it is the speed at which the vehicle is moving that is taken into account.

"Take control of the vehicle" warnings

In some situations (e.g. coming upon a much slower vehicle, vehicle in front changing lanes quickly, etc.) the system may not have time to react.
Depending on the situation, the system sounds a beep associated with:
  • the orange alert E if the situation requires the driver's attention;
or
  • the red alert F accompanied by the "Brake" message if the situation requires the driver's immediate attention.
In all situations, react accordingly and perform the appropriate manoeuvres.

Switching off the function

The adaptive cruise control function is deactivated when you press the 4 switch.
The warning light disappears from the instrument panel to confirm that the function is no longer active.

Temporary unavailability

The green warning light disappears to confirm that the function has been automatically deactivated.
Conditions in certain geographical areas may hinder the function, for example:
  • arid zones, tunnels, long bridges or lightly used roads without road lines, without signs or trees nearby;
  • a military or airport zone.
You must leave such areas in order for the function to work.
In all cases, if the message is not erased after the engine is restarted, please contact an authorised dealer.
Tip
The system controls acceleration and deceleration of your vehicle using the engine and braking system. The system activates the brakes in order to maintain the set speed, the system applies limited braking. In the event of a steep descent, for example in a mountainous area, you must select a lower gear to benefit from engine braking.
To reduce the load imposed on the braking system and to prevent the brakes from overheating, the adaptive cruise control function may be temporarily interrupted and the "Check adaptive cruise control" message appears. The message disappears when the function becomes available again.
If the message remains, contact an approved dealer.

Operating faults

If an operating fault is detected on one or more components of the system, the adaptive cruise control function is interrupted.
Depending on the type of malfunction, the message is displayed on the instrument panel:
  • "Check Front camera" accompanied, depending on the vehicle, by the  warning light;
  • "Check vehicle" accompanied by the  warning light;
  • "Check camera/radar".
Consult an approved dealer.

Limitations of system operation

Vehicle detection

The system detects only vehicles (cars, trucks, motorbikes) that are moving in the same direction as your vehicle.
A vehicle entering the same traffic lane (example G) will only be taken into account by the system once it has fully moved into the lane within the camera's detection zone.
The system may trigger abrupt or delayed braking.

The system cannot detect:

  • vehicles arriving at intersections: slip road (example H);
  • vehicles driving on the wrong side of the road or reversing towards you.
Tip
The adaptive cruise control must only be used on a motorway (or multi-lane road separated by a barrier).

Detection during cornering

When entering a corner or bend, the camera may temporarily be unable to detect the vehicle in front (example J).

The system may trigger an acceleration.

When exiting a bend, the system's detection of the vehicle in front may be disrupted or delayed.
The system may trigger abrupt or delayed braking.

Detection of vehicles in adjacent lanes

The system may detect vehicles driving on an adjacent lane when:
  • you drive into a bend (example K);
  • you are driving on a road with narrow lanes;
  • the speed of the vehicle on the adjacent lane is slower and if one of these vehicles is located too close to the lane of the other.
The system may incorrectly trigger vehicle slowing or braking.

Vehicles hidden due to variations in ground relief

The system will not register vehicles driving uphill or downhill when hidden by terrain or when located outside the camera's detection zones.

Vehicles outside the camera detection zones

The system will react late or not at all if detected vehicles are outside the camera detection zone, particularly in the following situations:
  • vehicles transporting long objects which exceed the line;
  • vehicles insufficiently centred in the lane;
  • narrow vehicles which are very close (example M).

Stationary and slow moving vehicles

When your speed is over approximately 31 mph (50 km/h), the system does not detect:
  • stationary vehicles (example N);
  • very slow moving vehicles.
When your speed is less than approximately 31 mph (50 km/h), the system may not react or may react very late to:
  • stationary vehicles (example N);
  • very slow moving vehicles;
  • preceding vehicles 12 that change lane or discovering a slow or stationary vehicle 13 (example P).
Tip
Always be ready to take control of your vehicle when you come upon stationary or very slow-moving vehicles (example N).
The adaptive cruise control does not trigger an emergency stop and its braking capability is limited.

Non-detection of fixed obstacles and objects of a small size

The system cannot detect:
  • pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, shopping trolleys, caddies, etc.;
  • animals;
  • fixed obstacles (toll barriers, walls, etc.) (example Q).
These are not taken into account by the system. They do not trigger any alert or reaction by the system.

Warning

WARNING
This function is an additional driving aid. It can under no circumstances replace the driver's responsibility to respect speed limits and safe distances or to be vigilant.
The driver must always be in control of the vehicle.
The driver must always adapt their speed to the surroundings and driving conditions, regardless of system indications.
Except for lines delimiting lanes, traffic indicators (traffic lights, signs, pedestrian crossings etc.) are not recognised by the system. These do not trigger any alert or reaction by the system.
The system should under no circumstances be taken to be an obstacle detector or an anti-collision system.
The adaptive cruise control must only be used on a motorway (or multi-lane road separated by a barrier).
System servicing/repairs
  • In the event of an impact, the camera alignment may be changed and its operation may consequently be affected. Deactivate the system and consult an authorised dealer.
  • Any work in the area where the camera is located (replacements, repairs, windscreen modifications, paintwork, etc.) must be carried out by a qualified professional.
Only an authorised dealer is qualified to service the system.
Deactivating the function
You must deactivate the function if:
  • the vehicle is travelling on a winding road;
  • the vehicle is being towed (breakdowns);
  • the vehicle is towing a trailer or a caravan;
  • the vehicle arrives at a toll point, a roadwork area or on a narrow lane;
  • the vehicle is being driven up or down a very steep slope;
  • the visibility is poor (glaring sun, fog, etc.);
  • the vehicle is being driven on a slippery road surface (rain, snow, gravel, etc.);
  • the weather conditions are poor (rain, snow, side winds, etc.);
  • the camera area has been damaged (e.g. on the inside or outside of the windscreen);
  • the windscreen is cracked or distorted.
In the event of the system behaving abnormally, deactivate it and contact an authorised dealer.
WARNING
In the event of system disturbance
Some conditions can disturb or damage the system's operation, such as:
  • windscreen obscured (by dirt, ice, snow, condensation etc.);
  • poor weather conditions (snow, heavy rain, hail, black ice, etc.);
  • poor visibility (night, fog, etc.);
  • poor contrast between the vehicle preceding it and the surrounding area (e.g. white vehicle in a snowy area, etc.);
  • being dazzled (glaring sun, lights of vehicles travelling in the opposite direction; etc.);
  • narrow, winding or undulating road (tight bends, etc.);
  • a slower vehicle with a significant difference in speed;
  • use of mats not adapted to the vehicle. On the driver's side, only use mats suitable for the vehicle, attached with the pre-fitted components, and check the fitting regularly. Do not lay one mat on top of another. There is a risk of wedging the pedals.
In these cases, the system may wrongly intervene.
Risk of unwanted braking or acceleration.
Many unforeseen situations may affect the system operation. Certain objects or vehicles that appear in the camera detection zone may be interpreted by the system incorrectly, possibly leading to inappropriate acceleration or braking.
You should always be attentive to sudden events that might occur while you are driving. Always keep your vehicle under control by keeping your feet near the pedals, so that you are ready to act in any event.