6 minute read
COVER STORY
The Plus Factor! DAF dazzles with new XF, XG & XG+
When DAF Trucks introduced the 95 Series in 1987, little did we know that its SuperSpace cab would serve the Dutch brand and its broad customer base so well into the next century. From the various incarnations and evolutions that followed, from the 95XF, XF105 and XF, the basic cab structure from the ‘95’ remained. In fact, the 95 cab was jointly developed with ENASA in Spain which supplied local manufacturer Pegaso with the same framework and panelling. British based Seddon Atkinson also used the cab for its Strato model. There was even a special military version, successfully sold in Europe and North America. No less than 650,000 XF trucks have been sold in total across 50 countries worldwide.
Not only did the 95 and XF series win over the popularity of the long distance truck driver, it was widely recognised and honoured by the International Truck
of the Year Award jury on numerous occasions (1988, 1998, 2007 & 2018) and also received many accolades from various trade magazines and other transport related organisations.
While the XF and its siblings proved most successful and stood the test of time like no other production series truck of its generation, the new range of heavy-duty trucks from DAF is setting the standards in truck design, safety and comfort features as well as instant driver appeal.
In developing the New Generation, DAF Trucks took a number of steps forward and created three variants based on the newly designed XF – the XF itself, the new XG and the ultimate flagship model, the XG+. From an operational viewpoint, a further 10% in fuel savings have been achieved.
DAF Trucks is the first manufacturer to create a truck line up that takes advantage of the new European masses and dimensions regulations. Class-leading quality, efficiency, safety and driver comfort come together in the game-changing New Generation DAF. A 160 mm front elongation enables industry-leading aerodynamics and safety. Only the finest materials have been used in the new DAF. Lightweight, high strength steel is used for the cab structure, and premium soft touch materials and leather are used extensively throughout the interior.
At the web-based launch, DAF Trucks NV Executives proudly stated the new XF Series achieved a further 10% gain in fuel efficiency and an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions due to a number
of measures taken. Thanks to sleek, slippery aerodynamics of the shapely cab, together with a curved windscreen, digital cameras (instead of exterior mirrors), improved under cab air-flow and engine modifications, this ambitious objective was met.
Further advances include tweaks to the well-proven PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines, smart exhaust-after-treatment systems, low vehicle weights, standard TraXon automated transmission, and sophisticated driver assistance systems. The advanced DAF Connect fleet management system provides for time saving over-the-air software updates. And service intervals have increased to an industry first 200,000 kilometres or once a year. The new DAF XF/XG line-up has been designed for the latest bio and renewable e-fuels to further decarbonise road transport, and the trucks are a ready platform for future zero emissions powertrains, such as battery electric and hydrogen.
‘With the New Generation XF, XG and XG+, a new dimension of driver comfort is introduced. Driving position, interior space, sleeping comfort, fit and finish – everything is top class’ ‘This XG+ is DAF’s true top-ofthe-range model, offering a dazzling level of living comfort and spaciousness which are unique in the entire industry’
Drivers will be impressed by the interior space.
Next to the 160 mm elongated front, both of the XG range-topping models feature no less than 330 mm extra length at the rear of the cab for unmatched space to work, live and sleep. The cab height level of the XG and XG+ is 125 mm higher than the New Generation XF.
The semi-flat floor provides the optimal combination of an easy access with only 3 steps and a great seating position for excellent direct vision. The DAF XG cab interior offers a standing height from no less than 1,980 to 2,105 mm, with the elongation at the rear lending itself to impressive interior spaciousness. According to the DAF design team, the new XG+ outperforms every truck on the market when it comes to interior space. The height of the roof is increased even more to offer a standing height of up to an impressive 2,220 mm. With a volume of 12.5 m3, the DAF XG+ has even 14% more volume than the industry-benchmark, the current DAF XF SuperSpace Cab. The new cab features multi-adjustment seat arrangements with both driver and co-driver seats rotatable to a relaxing position.
The new digital dashboard can be customised to the driver’s personal preferences, while an optional second touch screen display is available for operating the DAF Navigation and Infotainment System.
DAF Trucks builds on its heritage as the provider of the best bunks in the industry. The new bed length is 2,220 mm in all models, with 800 mm of width over the complete length in the XG and XG+ models. A mechanical or electrically adjustable DAF Relax Bed with a separate topper is available for optimal head, back and leg support while resting.
Significantly contributing to the outstanding comfort, is the improved ride and handling, enhanced by the new front-end design of the chassis, the new cab suspension and the new design of the rear axle suspension.
One of the many safety elements considered and developed is that the new cab design also features a large windscreen and large side windows with ultra-low belt lines for unequalled direct vision. Indeed, as an option, a kerb view window is available which – in combination with the foldable co-driver seat – offers an unobstructed view of pedestrians and cyclists next to the truck on the passenger’s side. Also new is the DAF Digital Camera system that can replace the main and wide-angle mirrors. The DAF Corner View system offers maximum view on the area around the cab’s A-pillar on the co-driver side. All vehicle lighting now includes full LED technology for optimal view and visibility.
DAF Truck’s philosophy of ‘Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road’ continues, resulting in class-leading ergonomics. All driving related functions are operated from the steering wheel and
the steering column stalks. Secondary driving functions are operated from physical switches, well positioned on the dashboard, within easy reach of the driver.
Following the reveal, Simon Teevan, Managing Director, DAF Trucks Ireland commented: “DAF Trucks Ireland are very excited to introduce the New Generation DAF (NGD) line-up to Ireland. The new XF, XG and XG+ are the first trucks to make use of the new EU masses and dimensions regulations. Combined with an up to 10% fuel efficiency gain, these new DAF trucks are an absolute game changer in terms of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), driver comfort and safety as well as pedestrian safety. Alongside the NGD models the current line-up of DAF models LF, CF and XF will continue in production. We expect to see the first NGD models arrive in Ireland at the end of the summer.”
