New Mazda3 Has No Built-in Reversing Camera

While most new car models these days are being equipped with a reversing camera, one car manufacturer has decided to go against the flow. Many expected that the entry level Neo model of the popular Mazda3 to have a built-in camera system when it went on sale locally after the car maker announced a pricing adjustment as a result of a free trade agreement between Australia and Japan. However, it seemed that Mazda has decided to omit the popular car accessory.

Instead, the car maker made rear parking sensors and alloy wheels standard on the Neo. In contrast, some of the cheapest cars on the market, including the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz, now have cameras as standard equipment.

Martin Benders, head of Mazda Australia, defended the car maker’s decision, saying that drivers shouldn’t be solely relying on camera systems to guard against driveway accidents involving young children. “I expect that people who drive cars take care and attention about how they drive their cars. Reversing cameras are not infallible. They're more an aid but so are reverse parking sensors and they will pick up obstacles in the same way,” he said.

Benders added that he hasn’t received any complaints from Mazda customers about the lack of a rear view camera system in their cars. “It might surprise you, but I don't have a string of customer complaints or comments saying, 'where's my reversing camera?”

Benders’ comments raised some eyebrows at the media conference when Mazda announced the launch of the new Mazda3. However, the Mazda Australia boss later clarified the point he was making, explaining that he didn’t mean to downplay the role of cameras as a safety aid. What he was merely trying to say is that drivers must also have to take responsibility for their actions and not just rely on crash-avoidance technology.

But whether you agree with Benders or not, you cannot deny that cameras indeed make excellent driving safety aids. Previous studies in the United States have shown that reversing cameras can help minimise driveway accidents and potential collisions when reversing your car.

So if you have bought yourself a new Mazda3 Neo, it certainly helps to purchase a camera system for your vehicle. Not only does it help you prevent driveway accidents, which can be a huge help if you have small children at home, it also makes your car more manoeuvrable.

If you’re looking for quality cameras for your vehicle, be sure to visit Elinz Electronics. We offer a wide range of versatile and durable camera systems, including caravan 2 camera systems, designed for different types of vehicles.