Ford's new camera tech that makes reversing a breeze

For several years now, reversing cameras that show drivers what is immediately behind them have become increasingly popular with new car customers. Now, the all-new Ford Focus is taking the technology a step further – by showing drivers what is around the corner behind them.

Located just above the vehicle licence plate, the camera captures a 180-degree view that can be displayed on a touchscreen inside the car – so passing pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles can be more easily seen.

Reversing manoeuvres are also made easier by radar sensors that monitor the area behind the car and alert drivers to vehicles and motorcycles crossing behind. If the driver does not respond to warnings, the brakes are automatically applied.

“We know that for nearly all our customers, reversing is a crucial part of their daily drive – and one that some of them really don’t enjoy. This little camera is helping us to make a big step forwards in making it easier to go backwards,” said Glen Goold, Ford’s chief program engineer for Focus.

According to a recent survey, of the top five trickiest driving manoeuvres, four involved reversing, and the fifth was driving forwards into a parking bay. * All-new Focus introduces a wider range of advanced features and technologies than any Ford vehicle before.

As well as Rear Wide View Camera, the car also has Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert that warns the driver of vehicles and motorcycles that may soon be crossing behind. The car can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions if the driver does not respond to warnings.