The Honda Legend EX incorporates the Honda SENSING Elite autonomous driving system

The arrival of new models is usually accompanied by the introduction of new technologies, so when Honda announced the arrival of the Honda Legend EX on the Japanese market, it came as no surprise that this model features the Honda SENSING Elite system. This is a new driver assistance system that brings together several elements that enhance driving and marks the arrival of Level 3 autonomous driving in a Japanese car.

It is not a new system, but rather the logical evolution of the well-known SENSING system found in the brand’s models in Europe. This evolution represents a safety advance, with the addition of new systems and elements that update and enhance the autonomous capabilities of the car.

Level 3 autonomous driving

This new model, which will be offered on a leasing basis in Japan, includes systems such as the Traffic Jam Pilot function, which is the first that Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has classified as Level 3 autonomous driving.

This means that the Traffic Jam Pilot can take over control of the car under specific conditions, such as driving on a motorway with heavy traffic. The system determines its position and road conditions based on high-definition three-dimensional map data and the global navigation satellite system (GNSS*3).

At the same time, the system monitors the driver’s condition through the surveillance camera installed in the cabin. Based on all this extensive information, the ECU interprets the data and carries out the appropriate actions to keep the vehicle safely on its path.

Functions of the Honda SENSING Elite

If the Honda Legend EX is travelling with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Following (LSF) and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) activated, the system provides assistance with driving operations, even if the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel. This applies, of course, only when the necessary conditions are met.

The system helps keep the car in its lane, but it also acts on the acceleration, braking and steering to change lanes more safely. In heavy motorway traffic, the car monitors and analyses its surroundings and carries out the appropriate actions to maintain its path, speed and other necessary variables.

An important feature is the emergency stop, which takes control if the driver does not retake the steering wheel and pedals. If, after signalling the handover of control to the driver, the driver does not react, the system alerts them with audible signals and even vibration in the seatbelt. If they do not respond to these signals, the system signals the stop and looks for a safe place to pull over, such as the hard shoulder, and brings the car to a halt.

With this Level 3 autonomous driving system, this model will serve as the launch platform for the entire Honda SENSING Elite range, and it will gradually reach other models and markets. A higher and more effective level of safety.