Vehicle manufacturer Ford is introducing a new interior mirror that helps drivers spot cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles that may be behind them, even when windowless rear doors or partitions are in the way.

The “Smart Mirror” is a high-definition screen that displays a panoramic rear view for the driver of Transit and Transit Custom vans. The display shows a live feed from a camera on the rear of the van and features automatic brightness control for optimum visibility in daylight and at night. The resulting field of view is twice the width of a conventional rear-view mirror, helping drivers to see more of their surroundings, for example, when approaching roundabouts, changing lanes or checking before merging or turning into side streets.

“Providing our drivers with maximum visibility – especially in urban areas where there is so much to look out for – increases their confidence and is a key part of making journeys safer for them, and for other road users as well”, said Owen Gregory, Director, Commercial Vehicle Aftersales, Ford of Europe.

The mirror, which will cost close to £675, is available for Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans fitted with windowless rear doors. Any Ford dealer can order and fit the system, which is compatible with Transit vans built from 2014 and Transit Custom models built from 2012.