FOW and Rear Cross Traffic Alert a substitute for parking sensors?

[Victorminator]

Having had not much luck with the web's regurgitation of Mazda's media documentation on their tech features like RCTA and the FOW, I was wondering if anyone here knew whether both features are akin to the traditional rear parking sensor systems but function with a wider (more sophisticated?) radius? In other words when backing up, even with the camera, can I expect to hear beeping if I get too close to something?
What about on the front with the FOW system?

A lot of these tech features are intriguing, but there are so very few places online to find proper explanations on their behaviour beyond a line or two that reviewers took from Mazda's reps. Real world behaviour is what I care more about.

Thanks for any explanations!

 

[lowincash]

When reversing it only beeps when there is a car or person moving towards the car. Does not beep when backing into a stationary object. Works pretty well and I've now only use the camera most of the time when backing out of parking spaces and stuff lol

 

[ceric]

RCTA does not see directly behind the bumper.
Its range is quite big and it can warn you for coming traffic from 50-75ft away. Very impressive.
RCTA also warns about foot traffic as well.

 

[Victorminator]

Thanks for clarifying guys!
I don't believe there is even an option (at least on the Canadian configurator) for rear parking sensors so this is quite intriguing as to why they didn't include it with RCTA.

 

[ceric]

Ultrasound sensor is available as an accessory.
However, the OE is expensive, though. The parts alone add up to more than $400.
Plus labor, you are looking at $600.

Or, you can do it yourself with eBay parts (I did it once - worked great also).
That would cost less than $50 + your free labor.

 

[Victorminator]

Ceric, it's not available through the Canadian Mazda site's accessories (at least on the page where you should be able to see it on, perhaps it's a very special order). I do believe I've seen it on the US site though.
Are you enjoying your new baby?

 

[ceric]

Yes, of course. Love it more than my own CX9, but it is my wife's Mazda3. I only get to drive it on weekends....

 

[ceric]

On the ultrasound sensors, if you are brave enough, you can buy the parts from US and install them yourself.
It should be plug-n-play, but routing the wires might need some effort.
However, Mazda accessories come with clear manual.
It should be a great weekend project.