DAF unveils new XF and CF range

DAF has completed the local roll-out of its next-generation of trucks, with its new XF and CF models unveiled to customers, dealers and the media at a gala evening in Coomera, on Queensland's Gold Coast, on Friday, February 14.

The XF and CF models joins the new LF range previously shown at the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show last May, with the line-up spanning both rigid (4x2, 6x2 and 6x4) and prime mover (4x2 and 6x4) formats.

The Gold Coast launch event took place over one week, with the official 'reveal' backed up by a drive program conducted at the nearby Mount Cotton driver training facility.

After two years of service in Europe and an extensive local validation program here in Australia, the new DAF range brings with it the most significant step-change in the Dutch brand's product line-up in many years, the new range ushering in new drivelines, new or revised Euro 6 power, a new electrical/electronics architecture, plus new styling, cab interiors and safety technology.

The focus of the product launch in Queensland was DAF's new XF and CF lines. While the line-haul-oriented XF is powered by PACCAR's heavily revised 13-litre MX-13 in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel in the one rating of 530hp and 2600Nm, the broader-focus CF is now available with the MX-13 in two ratings (483hp or 530hp) or with a new 11-litre MX-11 in a choice of three ratings (367hp, 408hp and 449hp).

The engines have been mated with ZF's TraXon automated gearboxes in 12- and 16-speed formats, which take over from the same company's AS Tronic transmissions.

DAF says the boosted increase in maximum torque for the MX-13 and its wider spread of torque in general has allowed it to effectively 'down speed' the engine, reducing the engine revs required for efficient operation to enhance fuel economy.

In fact, DAF says these next-generation models boast fuel economy gains of up to 10 per cent, achieved through reducing engine friction losses, the new TraXon transmissions, driveline optimisation, smarter electronics and better aerodynamics, among others.

PACCAR's Engine Brake has also been enhanced and now offers up to 340kW of braking force in MX-11 models and up to 360kW in MX-13 models, with the three-stage feature allowing compression braking from two, four or all six cylinders. In the MX-13, the PACCAR Engine Brake's braking power has increased by up to 30 per cent, says DAF.

New cabs are offered throughout the range, with the LF (day cab/sleeper cab), CF (day cab/sleeper cab/space cab) and XF (sleeper cab/space cab/super space cab) all boasting new designs that offer less drag, enhanced vision, and new interiors that have been enhanced with a focus on driver comfort, convenience and safety.

Speaking of safety, the new DAF XF and CF come standard with a wide range of modern active and passive safety systems, with staples like vehicle stability control and antilock brakes complemented by autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, full LED lighting (including cornering lights), side cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The trucks also feature a new proprietary safety system that allows the cab to better absorb the impact of a frontal collision, potentially reducing the severity of any subsequent injury.

The cab itself now has a cleaner, more intuitive dash layout that sees all features placed within easy reach of the driver, with a clear and easy-to-read TFT information panel positioned between the speedo and tacho and an angled panel featuring a 6.5-inch multimedia screen with truck-specific navigation.

A new and more efficient climate control system now uses less energy by cooling air only as much as is needed to reach the desired temperature, while significant efforts have been made to reduce in-cab noise levels significantly.

The new DAF XF and CF were awarded the accolade of International Truck of the Year in 2018 and DAF says that level of recognition is sure to add momentum to the DAF range here in Australia.

"Building on the excellent reputation for fuel efficiency, reliability and driver comfort the Euro 6 DAF range has earned in Europe, DAF has developed a new generation of XF and CF trucks offering the best possible solutions for both the customer and the driver," said PACCAR Australia's Director of Sales and Marketing, Brad May.

"Backed by our extensive and professional dealer network, the new trucks have superseded the existing range with exceptional advancements."

Despite being the top-selling heavy-duty truck brand in several European nations, DAF sales have traditionally been rather more subdued here in Australia. The brand recorded a total of 461 sales in Australia in 2019, the vast majority of which were attributed to the heavy-duty segment.

However, DAF commenced local CKD kit assembly of its CF line, its best-selling model range, in August 2018, and the brand says this, coupled with the advances and benefits ushered in by its new XF, CF and LF product portfolio, will drive the brand forward in this country in coming years.

Check back on Trucksales soon for initial drive impressions of both the new DAF XF and DAF CF trucks.