DAF XD Impressions

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS DAF XD

IMPRESSIONS

DAF’s new XD distribution trucks are based on the same DNA as the New XF and XG: bigger cabs with better direct vision, increased effi ciency and improved driver comfort. But alongside the trucks’ new aesthetic, perhaps the most compelling reason for hauliers to upgrade is XD’s fuel effi ciency boost of up to 10 per cent over current-gen CFs.

Words: Andy Stewart Photographs: DAF Trucks

XD 4x2 rigid with 370hp

XD is available with three different cab types – Day, Sleeper and Sleeper High – which are all built to improve the driver’s all-round visibility. Cab length has been extended by 16cm at the front and they sit 17cm lower than New XF for better sight lines in urban environments.

Direct vision is further improved by a lowered Vision Dashboard contoured towards the new 2.3m2 curved windscreen, plus larger side windows with lower belt lines. The windscreen itself is 30 per cent larger than the previous generation.

DAF’s Corner View is included as standard, which replaces the Class 5 kerbside mirror and Class 6 front view mirror with a 285-degree wide-angle camera and screen. Traditional glass rear-view mirror clusters are offered which have been tweaked to further reduce blindspots, or buyers can opt for DAF’s Digital Vision System which uses cameras instead.

A Kerb View Window can also be spec’d in the passenger-side door, in combination with a foldable passenger seat. An XD spec’d with Kerb View Window and digital mirrors has a fourstar London Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating.

XD drivers will find a large adjustment range for the steering wheel and seats, plus a modern fully digital dashboard with customisable displays. However, main secondary functions have dedicated physical switches so drivers can find them easily.

Interior space has been extended by 15cm of extra length in the Day cab; enough to stow a large bag behind the seat or enable drivers to recline further during breaks. A fridge can also be fitted on the engine tunnel.

Outside, the new cabs feature full LED lighting as standard. Better aerodynamics are achieved via the curved windscreen, tapered corner panels, underhood airflow, tapered side walls, tweaked roof shape and air deflector, and closed wheel bay covers.

MX-11 engines are offered from 300450bhp, each offering ‘multi-torque’

450hp gives plenty of power for this six axle combination. Low height cab is a bonus for multi-drop work

functionality which provides more torque in direct drive and when downspeeding. MX Engine Brake performance is also boosted by 20 per cent at low revs.

XDs are fitted with TraXon automated gearboxes. New features here include automated drive-off gear selection, an urge-to-move mode and improved gear prediction.

Eight and nine-tonne front axles are available along with a wide range of 13-tonne driven rear axles – with or without hub reduction and in combination with pusher or trailing axle if required.

Overall, the XD is up to 40 kg lighter than its predecessor, depending on spec. Maintenance intervals are the same as before: ie 125,000 miles or annually.

In October, we were invited to Barcelona, Spain, to test drive the new vehicles over a lengthy urban and inter-urban route. The first truck we tried was an XD410 FA 4x2 rigid with Sleeper Cab. This was packing a 10.8-litre MX-11 rated at 408bhp, producing max torque of 2,150Nm at 900-1,125rpm. Wheelbase was 6,100mm.

Cab access is easy thanks to a twostep ‘stairway’ – a definite benefit for distribution drivers climbing in and out of the cab all day. Once in the driver’s seat, we appreciated the generous range of seat and wheel adjustments which meant there was plenty of room for us to get comfy.

This truck had traditional mirrors which have been upgraded to further reduce blindspots. The gap between mirrors is 7cm wider than on the CF, and they are also pushed further away from the A-pillar to open up more space to peer through.

Corner View is fitted as standard, and before we set off, our co-driver gave a demonstration of just how much it can see. He walked around the cab from one side to the other and remained clearly visible on the screen the entire time.

The Sleeper Cab has large external lockers on either side, which can be accessed from inside if required or just

Folding head rest is a neat feature

from the outside (often preferred to prevent smells from diesel-soaked gloves or boots seeping into the cab). The locker doors also open upwards, which helps keep the rain off when you’re ferreting about inside.

Night Lock is also an option on the new cabs, which grips onto the handrail to make it impossible to open the door from the outside once it’s engaged. It’s excellent for extra peace of mind when parked up at night.

Loaded to 17.5 tonnes with concrete ballast, this XD had plenty of power to get us smoothly rolling out of the yard and quickly around the numerous small roundabouts, as we headed away from our busy marina

DAF Digital Vision System and Kerb View Window help to maximise visibility for the driver

base and out into the countryside. Settling in for a run on the highway, we had a chance to appreciate this XD’s premium fit and finish. Our spec included leather steering wheel, but the dash layout was standard besides an optional silver trim. Our spacious Sleeper Cab was also fitted with optional fridge and upgraded premium audio package.

Eco Performance mode was the default gearbox setting during our test. Customers can choose between Eco Performance, which biases slightly more towards available power (useful for inner-city traffic where there’s lots of stop-start); or Eco Fuel, which prioritises fuel efficiency for longer runs. Drivers can also select Eco Off via a button at the end of the right-hand lever, which changes gearing to enable the engine to reach higher rpms before shifting.

XD’s ride and handling characteristics are first class. Driving position is comfy, there’s plenty of oomph and the tweaks to direct vision really do help the driver to relax.

Gear changes from the new TraXon transmission are smooth, quick, and got us up to 80km/h cruising speed in no time. We encountered lots of long hills on our drive which were a good test for the new, stronger MX Engine Brake. It’s very effective; the three stages bite hard enough to enable the driver to control the majority of slowing via the stick, with only occasional use of the service brakes.

SPECIFICATION

Model: DAF XD410 FA 4x2 rigid Design gvw: 19,500kg Chassis: 6,100mm wheelbase, 163N eight-tonne front axle, SR1344 13-tonne rear axle, 2.38 rear axle ratio Engine: 10.8-litre MX-11, Euro 6 Max power: 408bhp @ 1,600rpm Max torque: 2,150Nm @ 900-1,125rpm Gearbox: 12-speed TraXon automated Additional equipment: Sleeper Cab, ECF Box body, leather steering wheel, Argenta trim, Super Air driver’s seat, Kerb View Window

SPECIFICATION

Model: DAF XD450 FTG 6x2 tractor unit Truck gvw: 40,000kg Chassis: 4,150mm wheelbase, 165N eight-tonne front axle, SR1344 13-tonne rear axle, 2.38 rear axle ratio Engine: 10.8-litre MX-11, Euro 6 Max power: 449bhp @ 1,600rpm Max torque: 2,350Nm @ 900-1,125rpm Gearbox: 12-speed TraXon automated Additional equipment: Sleeper High Cab, leather steering wheel, Natura trim, Xtra Leather Air driver’s seat, Kerb View Window, Digital Vision System

On our way back to base, we flicked on Predictive Cruise Control on the highway stretch and were impressed by just how long Eco Roll stayed engaged, even at 17.5 tonnes. It’s easy to see how the system can significantly reduce fuel bills.

Our second test truck was an XD450 FTG 6x2 tractor unit with Sleeper High Cab. Under the hood was a 449 bhp engine kicking out 2,350Nm of torque at 900-1,125rpm. Wheelbase was 4,150mm.

Jumping in straight after our go in the standard Sleeper, the high-roof cab immediately impressed. With a volume of 10m3, it feels big – plenty big enough for a few nights out. This is backed up with a premium bed measuring 2,220mm long and up to 750mm wide. It can be upgraded with a 50mm topper if required.

This truck was fitted with digital mirrors and we were keen to give them a try in the busy seafront environment. The early part of the route was the trickiest as it followed the very tight road out of the marina car park and onto the promenade. Lots of roundabouts gave us another chance to appreciate Corner View, and the clear rear-view displays that follow the end of the trailer while turning made it easy to check our position.

The bigger windscreen and lower door windows were also a bonus; we could keep parked cars in full view until we’d squeezed past on some of the narrowest stretches. Those extra few centimetres are surprisingly useful.

Once out of the city, we pulled out onto the highway to let the tractor unit stretch its legs. We were loaded to 39 tonnes and the 450bhp motor did well on the long, steep hills. Again, we found the MX Engine Brake effective and it also seemed to make cruise control extra reliable, as it prevented the truck running away on steep declines.

We also liked how quiet it was inside the cab. It’s very easy to have a conversation with a co-driver, and we still felt fresh at the end of our drive – a good indicator that DAF has got the XD’s overall design just right.