DAF’s New Generation Truck Line-Up Impresses in Spain

DAF’S NEW GENERATION TRUCK LINE-UP IMPRESSES ON THE ROAD IN SPAIN

With production of DAF’s New Generation of trucks beginning in October, it was perhaps appropriate that we were introduced to the range at a special Press Ride & Drive event in sunny in Spain, as Export & Freight’s Phil Eaglestone reports.

Seeing up close the new line up of DAF’s XF, XG and XG+ was an impressive sight, and being able to climb up into the cab was an even more memorable experience, as was the opportunity to get behind the wheel to take to the open road. During our first night, staying at the Hotel La Bobadilla in the Sierra de Loja area, between Granada and the Costa del Sol, the team from DAF whetted our appetites not just for the evening dinner to follow, but for the day ahead with an informative presentation on the new truck range. Next morning after breakfast we headed out to the truck park, complete with mandatory face mask and adhering to social distancing measures, to select our first ride & drive of the day; we had the opportunity to spend about an hour in each model, and initial impressions were, well, impressive! First class driver comfort starts with excellent cab accessibility and we weren’t disappointed, with only three steps, positioned in a comfortable ‘staircase’ style. For an easy access, the new steering wheel can be parked in a far-forward position. On entering the cab, which has the look and feel of a luxury car, drivers will be overwhelmed by the interior space, as we were, while achieving the best seating position was child’s play. Our eyes were immediately drawn to the dashboard which features an attractive, central 12” display for all vehicle-related information; all key information is visible at a glance. The most important buttons are perfectly positioned on the dashboard and on the newly designed steering wheel for best intuitive operation. The design is fully in line with the DAF philosophy of ‘Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road’, to avoid taking the eyes of the road and contributing to the highest comfort and safety. On the central display the driver can select between two layout designs and four levels of information. Display settings can also be personalised.

Digital Vision System

We particularly liked the new optional feature that is the DAF Digital Vision System, replacing the main and wide-angle mirrors. The cameras further enhance direct vision, while also increasing aerodynamic performance, contributing to highest fuel efficiency. The DAF Corner View is also another notable option to replace the kerb and front view mirrors and which exceeds the field of vision of these conventional mirrors by far. It is another important feature to further enhance road safety, especially for vulnerable road users. The display of the DAF Corner View is mounted on the co-driver’s A-pillar, exactly where one expects it to be. We read somewhere that the new DAF cabs were the quietest in history; it is a bold claim, and one that we can’t deny, having spent a total of around three hours across the three models. It really was a pleasant and comfortable driving experience

Storage & Living Space

Drivers spend a lot of time in the cab, a fact never lost on DAF, so it is not surprising that the New Generation DAF provides huge storage space - in the roof consoles, on top of the dashboard, in the door pockets and under the bunk. Under-bunk storage space includes up to 2 large drawers (70litres each), which can also be equipped with one or two refrigerators in which 1.5 litre bottles can stand upright. The fridges include a unique integrated double bottle holder in which drinks are chilled indirectly. In addition, the New XF, XG and XG+ offer plenty of room for paperwork, documents and other items. The dashboard has two holders for cups, mugs and small bottles and obviously there is also DAF’s world-famous retractable dashboard table for eating or working, now even larger than before. The cabs themselves are truly spacious, providing an excellent working and resting environment for the driver. The New Generation XF, for example, offers a standing height of between 1,900 and 2,075 mm, depending on the position within the cab, while the DAF XG cab interior offers a standing height from no less than 1,980 to 2,105 mm and - thanks to the elongation at the rear - an enormous interior space, and as we discovered during our Spanish trip, the new XG+ outperforms every truck on the market in that regard, with a standing height of up to an impressive 2,220 mm.

Attractive & Modern

As good as they look on the inside, all three models feature a beautiful, distinctive exterior design, characterised by an attractive tapered cab shape with seamlessly fitting body panels and sleekly mounted windscreen and doors for outstanding aerodynamic efficiency. They also feature a stylish grille with chrome accents. It is topped with a distinctive logo bar with a glossy inlay to accentuate the vehicles’ class. The air intake is neatly integrated in the front, adding to the sturdy yet elegant design which is further enhanced by the prominent grille, accentuating the elongated front. A key design feature are the stylish full LED headlights, crowned with characteristic Daytime Running Lights and integrated cornering lights, creating a stalwart signature and providing, we are told, unprecedented vision at night.

Powertrains & Safety Features

The New Generation DAF XF, XG and XG+ are equipped with new powertrains, featuring new engine and transmission technologies and rear axle innovations. They are also equipped with a TraXon automated gearbox as standard, featuring new technologies like automatic drive-off gear selection, enhanced predictive features and (optional) urge-to-move, while enhanced driver assistance systems such as Predictive Cruise Control with extended EcoRoll functionalities and Preview Downhill Speed Control contribution to significant fuel efficiency, said to be the largest such improvement in the history of the company. On the XF, XG and XG+ a full range of active safety devices is offered. These include Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning System and Emergency Brake Lights. The latest version of Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS-3) can provide up to full autonomous emergency braking to assist with collision avoidance of both stationary and moving vehicles from a speed of up to 80 km/h. City Turn Assist system detects other road users or objects at the co-driver side. Other optional systems include the new DAF Electronic Park Brake, engaging the brakes automatically when the engine is switched off. Low Speed Trailer Brake activates the trailer brakes independently for safe trailer coupling and decoupling. Park Brake Assist engages all brakes along with the park brake to ensure that the truck does not move during loading or unloading with a crane, or whilst operating a tipping body. These new models are exactly what drivers want and need; in our opinion, they will go a long way to attract new much needed ‘blood’ into an industry that is suffering from chronic driver shortages every which way you look!