I think it is an over-statement to claim that "Most modern cars come with similar collision avoidance systems."

Many have collision WARNING systems (i.e. no auto-braking), and even then only on the highest trims or with an expensive options package ($3K+).

However collision avoidance systems do exist, and manufacturers like Subaru have made them so inexpensive that there's little excuse to not buy it (e.g. Subaru Legacy Premium W/Eyesight is $25-26K, similar to a mid Camry or Accord, and those lack CAS at that price point ($30K+ Limited trim to get CWS in other cars, let alone CAS)).

Aside from the luxury market (which Tesla is in) a lot of cars lack CAS or make it so expensive that they may have well. Subaru is the only manufacturer that makes it within the realm of your average joe (e.g. sub-35K).

That's the thing that kills me - or almost did last month... [ 1 ]

People are delirious about self-driving cars, but even the simplest automatable task of stopping when something is in front of you is not only an option, but an expensive one.

If CAS is a pricey option, how much more will full driverless cost? How prevalent will it be? How likely is it that only the top 1% will have it? How long until it trickles down into middle-class? How much longer will it take to trickle down than CAS?

[ 1 ] Another driver and myself were rear-ended hard in a senseless accident that would have been avoided if "car 3" had had CAS (or was driverless or if the driver had been paying attention, not speeding, not following too close). My last 6 weeks have been paperwork, doctor's appointments, painkillers, ice packs, phone calls and soon physical therapy appointments. All cutting into my productivity and good mood.

Well in Subaru's case the cost of CAS has dropped by 1/4th. From a 3K "Eyesight only" package on the top trim few years ago, to a 1.3K package on the mid trim this year that also gives you other features (e.g. winter driving assists, like heated mirrors, and so on).

From rumours Subaru wants to make Eyesight (CAS) standard by the 2018 model year (mid-2017 release).

This is always how it goes; everyone knows it will be mandatory eventually so manufacturers milk it in premium packages for as long as possible.

NHTSB just made backup cameras mandatory and those have been around for a long time.

just look at the s-class, anything that shows up in a s-class will likely be in an accord in about 10 years

radar guided cruise control in s-class around 05, accord gets "adaptive cruise control" in 2014 and standard on 15.

Only recently Europe has made mandatory to have an emergency communication system. I barely know the details but I guess it's something like airbag worthy event -> phone whatever safety institution. It's not even high tech, and it's also not cheap for the customer. This should have been implemented long ago and as cheap as possible (I mean profit wise) .. society is so damn slow.

Sorry, I wrote that only with experience of the European market and none of the US.

The Euro NCAP car safety assessment mandates this kind of collision avoidance for a 5-star rating. According to their website, half of the cars tested this year achieved such a rating.

(However, I think NCAP always test with all available options fitted. On the other hand, Skoda only charge £275 for this option on a £10k vehicle.)

A used Volvo is pretty affordable compared to a new Subaru 'round where I live.

Mazda has a ~$1500 tech package option on the Mazda 3 with CAS.

I'm sure Subaru makes a decent car (my brother has a generation old Legacy, which seems OK), but saying they're the only manufacturer that makes it within the realm of your average joe is a big stretch I think.

> Mazda has a ~$1500 tech package option on the Mazda 3 with CAS.

I cannot figure out how you'd order that from their site. Even grand touring (S or I) in the Mazda3 doesn't appear to offer a tech package at all.

> but saying they're the only manufacturer that makes it within the realm of your average joe is a big stretch I think.

I concede that. It is an over-statement. For around $25K there are slim pickings, but if you have up to $35K (which is common for many people buying cars), then there are several systems to consider.

My memory failed me. It's the $2,600 package (I had a Mazda3 S-GT earlier this year, nice car, but the sloping roof line makes the 5-door hatch frustratingly impractical for the things you want a hatchback for).

Their site sucks so I can't figure out how to copy/paste it, but from another site:

"To go all the way, you may then add the $2600 Technology package, which brings a capacitor-based brake-energy recapture system, radar cruise control, low-speed collision mitigation, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and forward-obstruction warning."

I bought the car for about $23K with every option but the tech-package. A quick search says there's vehicles with the option in my area for under $28K. But I think under $25K at least is probably a more realistic price.

Anyways, yeah. $25K to $35K there are a good number of choices if you look around.

I think you are still stretching. These systems available to most buyers. Considering that "Americans paid an average price of $33,560 for new cars and trucks in April 2015"[1], and that all manufacturers offer it. For instance, contrary to your statement above Accord has it available for all trims, including on LX at $25K.

[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/05/04/new-car-...

From the source on TMC the user in question that posted this said he was using AP at the time. While the final braking was AEB I'd still say the title is fair.

Most? Maybe on luxury brands.

Not sure many people would consider Volvo, Audi, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen to be 'luxury' brands.

Most of the vehicles they sell don't offer CAS, only the top end trims in certain models. Many offer only CWS (no auto braking, just bleeping).

The issue here is their use of the term "most." "Most" vehicles in 2015 is category untrue. Out of the top 10 most popular cars in the US, zero ship with CAS as a base feature, and half don't offer it at all.

In the luxury market, it is more common/popular/standard.

The luxury market is usually where most features now considered standard, originate. CAS is becoming significantly more common within the everyday market. Nissan's new Pulsar for example comes with CAS as standard.

My wife's 2015 Mazda 3 has it. It's kind of liberating to know it's there for situations like in the video