Completely new trucks
Mark Gavin, sales director for Transport Solutions at Babcock, stresses that the new DAF trucks are not merely upgrades or facelifts of previous models. “They are completely new vehicles (to South African transport operators). DAF’s new CF and XF models are smart, efficient and profitable, setting higher standards for transport safety and productivity,” he says.
Highlights of the new range, according to Gavin, include up to 10% lower fuel consumption, new styling, a new powertrain, improved safety features and new driver support systems. “Furthermore, they will offer maximum uptime, they come with lower repair and maintenance (R&M) rates and they also boast improved reliability and availability,” he maintains.
Thorough local testing
Significantly, the trucks underwent extensive local testing before their South African launch. “We conducted long-haul testing from 4 July 2020 to 28 February 2021. We ran three pre-production vehicles over 300 000 km. The vehicles in question were a CF 430 Lean Sleeper, XF 480 Smart Space Cab and XF 530 Elite+ SSC. All three test rigs were equipped with an aerokit,” Gavin reveals.
These were the results of the tests (they’re most impressive indeed):
|
DAF Connect |
Odo. |
Total |
Ave. |
||||||
|
Model |
km |
km |
L |
km/h |
ton |
L/100km |
km/L |
PF |
DPA Score |
|
CF 430 |
50098 |
46128 |
17931 |
64.3 |
35.9 |
38.9 |
2.57 |
59.3 |
40.8 |
|
XF 480 |
51182 |
41692 |
15397 |
63.7 |
37.6 |
36.9 |
2.71 |
65.0 |
67.5 |
|
XF 530 |
50409 |
24758 |
10122 |
64.1 |
38.2 |
40.9 |
2.44 |
59.8 |
44.9 |
The XF 480 – at a whopping 12.5% more fuel-efficient – was definitely the star of the show.
Big savings up for grabs
While the new exterior is the first thing anyone will notice about the trucks, those sorts of savings are really going to grab the operators’ attention. How are they possible? One of the most important contributors is the Paccar MX-13 engine – because it offers more torque at lower revolutions per minute (rpm) for higher fuel efficiency and lower noise levels. “The low rpm also reduces CO₂ emissions, while the trucks’ Eco Performance Mode ensures an optimal balance between high driveability and best fuel efficiency,” explains Gavin.
The engine is matched to the latest generation TraXon automated gearbox, which offers less friction losses, faster upshifts, and the extended use of EcoRoll (which also contributes to lower fuel consumption). The gearbox also provides specific software settings for long haulage, liquid transport, heavy-duty and off-road applications.
Lots of tech
The new XF specifically offers a lot of tech and a variety of safety features too. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, an advanced Emergency Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, a Lane Departure Warning System, front and rear cab crumple zones and Vehicle Stability Control. “An exciting aspect of the new DAF CF and XF trucks is that they are also equipped for the future fitment of predictive cruise control (PCC), which can determine the terrain the truck is negotiating and automatically adjust gears accordingly,” adds Gavin. We’ve seen PCC in action before – and it really does slash a fuel bill.
Exact models
So, exactly which models are up for grabs? “Our entry-level model is the CF430 Lean (it comes with no bells and whistles and is as basic as possible). It boasts a 430hp engine, air suspension and a single sleeper cab. Then we have the XF480 Smart. This is our entry-level XF vehicle. It comes with a double sleeper cab, air suspension and a few bells and whistles … but not too many. Next is the XF480 Premium plus spec. It is the same as the Smart, but it has aluminium rims, LED lights, Adaptive Cruise Control and a Lane Departure Warning System … all fitted as standard. Then we have the XF530 Power spec. It is the same as the Premium spec’d truck, but it has a 530hp engine. Lastly, for now, there is the XF530 Power plus Super Space. It’s the same as the previous model, but it has the incredible super space cab,” reveals Gavin.
The CF480 Rugged – aimed at the construction market – will launch in South Africa later this year. The new DAF CF and XF models come with a one-year vehicle warranty and a three-year driveline warranty.
