TEST DRIVE
THE DUTCH
TOUCH
Few trucks have undergone such a comprehensive makeover as the DAF CF which has been upgraded to be much more than merely compliant with Euro 6 emission standards.
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t used to be a school of thought in which a DAF was considered a truck to buy if it was to be a function of a business, rather than the business itself. If the truck was to be the main element of the business of moving freight for reward, then other brands including its PACCAR stablemate Kenworth were more likely to be on the shopping list. Hence DAFs were regarded as somewhat of a niche player and were favoured by the likes of farmers, the equine industry and crane truck operators. But not anymore! This latest DAF CF (and its big brother the XF) are up there with the best that Europe has to offer in terms of rigids and prime movers. Essentially, every important component of the truck has been reassessed and, if necessary, re-engineered to provide this
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next generation of DAF models with an edge in transport efficiency, safety and driver comfort. Engine innovations, new drivelines and aerodynamic optimisations result in significantly reduced fuel consumption and the new generation models also feature enhanced safety features, plus an updated interior and exterior design for driver comfort and appeal. To achieve the aim of best in class fuel economy and driveability requires almost perfect integration of all components and to this end new driveline software and new electronic control units have been employed to deliver optimum interaction between the engine, exhaust after-treatment system, transmission and rear axles. This is a truck intended for application throughout the world and since the Euro
6 DAF XF and CF models were introduced in Europe less than two years ago the brand has increased its European market share to record levels and received a swag of industry accolades and awards. Locally the Euro 5 range has held a steady 3.4 per cent share of the Heavy Duty market in 2019 and the improved specifications and increased range available in these Euro 6 models can be expected to add substantially to DAF’s slice of the Aussie Heavy Duty pie. In the new Euro 6 guise, power from the 13.0 litre PACCAR MX-13 engine has been increased by 20hp in each specification to 480hp and 530hp respectively. A new 11.0 litre MX-11 will be available here around September which will supersede the current 9.0 litre MX-9 and will be offered in 370, 410
