Subaru EyeSight With A WRX, BRZ Manual Transmission And How It Works

For the first time, Subaru now offers EyeSight driver-assist safety technology with a manual transmission. The 2024 WRX TR and the 2024 BRZ tS are the first to get it. How does it work differently than with an automatic transmission?

Subaru's technology is designed to prevent accidents before they happen. Depending on whether the Subaru WRX or BRZ is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission, some EyeSight features will work differently. 

Subaru says, "But either way, EyeSight can provide the same level of reassurance." Here is how the new technology works. The information comes from Trevor Maki, National Sales Training Manager Subaru of America. 

Pre-Collision Braking

With the pre-collision braking feature, the essential safety functions are the same, and the same level of collision avoidance is achieved, no matter which transmission is fitted.

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Subaru's EyeSight delivers visual and audible alerts if it detects danger ahead, and it can automatically slow or stop the vehicle to help prevent an accident.

Pre-collision braking in the manual transmission WRX TR and BRZ tS will activate regardless of whether the clutch is engaged or if the shifter is neutral or in forward gear.

With a manual transmission vehicle, if you're in neutral or EyeSight can't detect what gear is engaged, pre-collision braking won't activate at speeds lower than 5 miles per hour.

Pre-collision braking will continue to control the vehicle until it stops.

It's important to note that with manual transmission vehicles, pre-collision braking will continue to control the car until it stops, even if the engine ultimately stalls. You can still press down the clutch pedal to avoid stalling.

After pre-collision braking has been activated in a manual transmission vehicle, brake control is gradually released. To keep the car stopped, simply apply the brakes. With either transmission, drivers can override pre-collision braking by intentionally pressing down on the accelerator pedal.

For manual transmission vehicles, this intentional cancellation can occur regardless of the shifter position. So, owners can still experience the benefits of pre-collision braking no matter which transmission is fitted.

The only significant differences are the actions the driver must take after a pre-collision braking stop. A manual transmission model could stall, and you'll have to restart the vehicle. 

Automatic Emergency Steering

Subaru says, "Automatic Emergency Steering is designed to assist the driver. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. Automatic Emergency Steering works in conjunction with and after Pre-Collision Braking has been activated by providing steering support at speeds lower than 50 mph to try and help avoid a collision."

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control also works a little differently with manual and automatic transmission Subaru vehicles.

With manual transmissions, adaptive cruise control can be set at 20 miles per hour or higher speeds as long as the shifter is in second to sixth gear.

It will not engage if the transmission is in first gear. The 20-mile-per-hour speed limit is because this is the lowest speed that the vehicle can operate in sixth gear.

For the same reason, the settings for following distances are longer in manual transmission vehicles, driving at lower speeds.

My question is, will Subaru bring back the manual transmission in the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Impreza? What do you think?

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN

Would you like Subaru to offer a manual transmission in the Crosstrek and Impreza again? Let us know by clicking on the Add New Comment red link below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this used Subaru model pricing guide. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA