12 minute read
The New Generation
DAF DRIVER
New DAF range hits the road
NEW GENERATION THE NEW GENERATION
The new benchmark in quality, efficiency, safety and luxury. DAF is starting the future with an entirely new line up of trucks
Words: Jack Sunderland Photographs: Mark Ballantyne / DAF Trucks
PPutting the driver first at all times, DAF’s all-new New Generation XF, XG and XG+ tractor units and rigids are bringing major benefits to the hard-pressed haulage industry.
From the driver’s viewpoint, they offer a level of comfort never before seen in DAFs. From the haulier’s viewpoint, the facilities they provide should make it far easier to recruit and retain drivers during a period of acute shortage. Take the amount of room that is available in the newly-created cab. Outperforming all the competition, the flagship XG+ delivers an extraordinary 12.5cu m of interior cab space. That is as much space as is provided in the load area of a medium-size panel van, and an astonishing 14% more than the current XF Super Space Cab.
Standing height is up to 2,220mm - so even if you are well over 6ft tall, you will still have plenty of headroom.
XG is almost as impressive, with a standing height of up to 2,105mm.
Nor need drivers of the New Generation XF feel they are losing out. It boasts a standing height of up to 2,075mm.
Finding a comfortable driving position having climbed up a mere three steps, should never
New Generation Official launch Far left: New Generation XG+
Centre: New Generation XG
Right: New Generation XF
be a problem given how much adjustment there is in the seat and steering column. The wheel can be parked in a far-forward position for easier seat access.
Swivelling driver and co-driver seats are listed as options on both the XG and XG+ to make it easier to relax after a demanding day’s driving.
All vehicle-related information is shown on a centrally-mounted 12in display. The driver can select between two layout designs and four levels of information, and display settings can be personalised.
An optional 10in touch-screen for the DAF Navigation and Infotainment System can be specified and can be linked to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Drivers deserve a good night’s sleep, and DAF is happy to oblige. The bed is 2,220mm long in all models, and 800mm wide all the way down its length in the XG and XG+ . Once you are in your comfortable bed, you will discover that the new rear wall control panel allows you to operate all sorts of things without having to get up. They include the lighting, the sound system, the windows and the roof hatch.
The New Generation DAF XG truck showcases luxury and driver comfort
All three derivatives come with an automatic temperature control system as standard or a fully-automated climate control package as an option. A new feature is a fully-integrated Park Airco, which cools or heats the cab interior automatically when the engine is switched off. It is marketed as an option on XG+ .
The control panel also allows you to see what is going on around your truck by activating any cameras that have been specified. If you don’t like the look of what is happening then you can hit a panic button which triggers the horn and hazard lights. The lower bunk in the XG and XG+ are optionally adjustable - either mechanically or, with the DAF Relax bed, electrically, allowing the user to enjoy optimal head, back and leg support. The mattress can be specified with an optional topper.
A folding co-driver’s seat is available as an option, and it can also be specified with a folding headrest to create a bedside table. The ability to fold the seat creates more space,
Top: Seat and steering column adjustment significantly aid driver comfort.
Far left: Swivelling driver’s seat helps to make the most of the space in the XG cab when at rest.
Bottom right: Major controls are on or close to the steering wheel.
and has the added benefit of giving the driver an unrestricted view through the nearside Vision Door with its Kerb View window.
Take a look under the bunk and you will find ample storage space, including either one or two drawers or one or two fridges in which 1.5-litre bottles can stand upright. Outside storage lockers on both the nearside and offside are accessible through large openings.
Making extensive use of high-quality leather trim and materials that are soft to the touch, all three models offer a vast amount of storage in the roof consoles, on top of the dashboard and in the door pockets. The dashboard has two holders for cups, mugs and small bottles, and the retractable dashboard table is bigger than ever before.
The XG and XG+ go even further, with a drawer in the lower part of the fascia in which documents or a laptop can be stored.
Did we mention lighting earlier? Optionally on offer on the XG and XG+ is LED ambient cab interior lighting with 15 lights and light strips adjustable for brightness and colour. They highlight the interior’s premium-level fit and finish and the quality of the materials used; standards more commonly associated with top-of-therange executive passenger cars.
The measures taken to enhance the cab reflect feedback DAF has received from drivers. In creating the new cab it has taken full advantage of changes to the European masses and dimension regulations; the first truck builder to do so.
What they have allowed the manufacturer to do is elongate the all-new, tapered cab at the front by 160mm, improving the truck’s aerodynamics and helping to cut fuel consumption
Vast external lockers provide adequate space for necessary equipment.
XG+ offers unrivalled cab space and a standing height of 2,220mm.
and CO2 emissions by up to 10%. A wide, deep 2.3sq m windscreen and an ultra-low belt line make it far easier for the driver to see vulnerable road users - and react accordingly.
With semi-flat floors, the XG and XG+ come with 330mm of extra length at the back of the cab, dramatically boosting the amount of internal space gifted to drivers for working, eating and sleeping.
All drivers want to feel they are at the wheel of a handsomelooking truck and the trio fit the bill, with a stylish and prominent front grille with chrome accents topped by a distinctive logo bar.
The good looks are highlighted at night by full LED headlights crowned with distinctive daytime running lights with integrated cornering lights. On the XG and XG+ they are complemented by standard LED Skylights, with a different design for each model. Optional DAF Digital Vision System cameras can be specified to replace the main and wideangle mirrors, with the DAF Corner View camera able to replace the kerb and front-view mirrors. As a consequence the driver enjoys a far better field of vision, making vulnerable road users easier to spot. The Corner View display is mounted on the co-driver’s A-pillar.
Additional Digital Vision features include what is known as auto panning. It allows the driver to keep tabs on what is happening to the rear of the trailer when cornering.
Even in winter the heated cameras provide a clear view. What is more, they are electrically-retractable; an industry first.
Many of the key changes to the trucks are unseen, including the many improvements made to the 10.8-litre PACCAR MX-11
Top: Adjustable air deflector aids fuel economy.
Middle/bottom: Swing-out side deflectors aid access to the rear of the cab.
Top: XG+ offers a new benchmark in cab space by taking advantage of new European cab weights and dimensions.
Top right: Flagship 530hp MX-13 motor gains useful torque boost.
Bottom right: LED headlamps, optional cameras in place of mirrors and Kerb View window all offer drivers improved all-round visibility. and 12.9-litre PACCAR MX-13 engines. Among them are new injectors, a new cylinder head and block, new pistons and liners and a new generation of turbochargers. With power outputs of up to 530hp, the changes have contributed to the sheer driveability of the vehicles. Much of it is due to useful increases in torque - the 530hp MX-13 now delivers 2,550Nm in every lower gear and a meaty 2,700Nm in top gear.
Both engines can run on environmentallyfriendly alternatives to mainstream diesel such as HVO; Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. An extended service interval of up to 200,000km is available, and key technical updates can be carried out over the air.
All three models come with a TraXon automated transmission as standard, with new features such as automatic drive-off gear selection.
The all-new chassis has resulted in significant improvements to handling. Worth noting too are the reduced levels of noise, vibration and harshness.
A comprehensive suite of safety devices can be relied on. The roll-call includes Brake Assist and Lane Departure Warning System plus the latest version of Advanced Emergency Braking System; AEBS-3. It can help prevent a collision with both stationary and moving vehicles at speeds of up to 80km/h.
City Turn Assist detects other road users or objects on the truck’s nearside, and should ensure they do not come to grief. Worth noting too is the presence of Predictive Cruise Control 3.
Other systems that have been developed include DAF Electronic Park Brake, which engages the brakes automatically when the engine is switched off.
The Low Speed Trailer Brake activates the trailer brakes independently for safe trailer coupling and decoupling. Park Brake Assist
The New Generation DAF XG+ truck is available with a series powerfull PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines
engages all the brakes along with the parking brake, to ensure the truck does not move while an onboard loader crane is being operated or a tipper body raised and lowered.
When it comes to safety, DAF’s attitude has always been; ‘Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.’ With this approach in mind, everything that is driving-related is operated from the new steering wheel and the steering column stalks, as are the digital display menu, the TraXon gearbox and the phone and audio systems.
All the New Generation DAFs have been tested to the uttermost, with over 150 field test vehicles put into daily operation with customers all over Europe. By the time full production starts later this year, they will have covered the equivalent of 20 million kilometres between them, and stood up remarkably well to the unremitting punishment.
So no matter whether they are hauling pallets of tinned food from Manchester to London, or cases of Scotch from Edinburgh to Barcelona, there is one thing that can be guaranteed; they’ll be well on top of the job.
Top left: PACCAR MX-11 Euro 6 2021 - Engine - top view
Bottom left: PACCAR MX-11 Euro 6 2021 - Complete driveline
Top right: PACCAR MX-13 Euro 6 2021 - Engine - top view
Bottom right: PACCAR MX-13 Euro 6 2021 - Complete driveline
NEW GENERATION NEW GENERATION DAF
FACTS AND FIGURES
XF cab vital statistics
XG cab vital statistics
XG+ cab vital statistics
Comprehensive drivelines
The new DAF XF, XG and XG+ ranges are available with a wide variety of driveline and axle configurations including 4x2 and 6x2 options for rigid and tractor unit chassis. 6x2 models are available in a variety of combinations including pusher, tag and rear steering axles.
Your DAF Dealer will be happy to discuss your requirements and help guide you towards the configuration that will suit your operations best. https://www.daf.co.uk/en-gb will provide further information.
