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Back in 2014, Toyota introduced its Safety Sense platform, which is comprised of several affordable safety packages, with the aim of introducing it onto its new models come 2015. The Japanese automaker plans to slowly roll out said safety packages across its entire model range by 2017.

All that begins this April at the 2015 New York International Auto Show (2015 NYIAS) with Toyota set to showcase the new RAV4 Hybrid and Lexus to do the same with its fourth-generation RX. The former will be equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense (TSS) platform - itself broken down into two categories, TSS C (for compact models) and TSS P (for mid-sized and premium models). The full-size Toyota Avalon will be the second recipient alongside the RAV4 Hybrid to incorporate TSS.

To recap, the TSS C package consists of a camera and laser radar-based Pre-collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) systems. PCS possesses an operational range that is tuned to mimic the speeds of which 80% of rear-end collisions are said to occur at - 11 to 80 km/h.

The TSS P package carries forward the same features but adds on a camera and millimetre-wave radar-based pedestrian pre-collision system that gives off an audio and visual warning should the sensors detect an impending collision. Failure to brake would result in the automated application of the brakes - the system possesses an operational range from 11 km/h to 80 km/h.

Additional features on the TSS P package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) which works by detecting vehicles ahead and adjusting the car's own speed to maintain a sizeable gap between the vehicles. A forward-facing camera allows the system to pick up on vehicles that merge in front and adjusts accordingly. The TSS C package is expected to cost around US$300 (RM1,110) while the P goes for US$500 (RM1,850).

Further up the Toyota hierarchy, its all-new RX model will debut with the Lexus Safety System + (LSS+). The package will contain a plethora of features from the TSS C and P package with PCS, LDA, AHB and DRCC thrown in. Additionally, LSS+ will feature a new Road Sign Assist function - designed to detect almost all globally-recognised road signs. LSS+ is expected to cost between US$500 to 635 (RM1,850 to 2,351).