We get behind the wheel of DAF’s updated range of Euro 6 rigids
By Dougie Rankine
PHOTOGRAPHY DOUGIE RANKINE
DAF has big hopes for its latest range of rigid trucks. On a recent event, we were able to drive five different models from the Euro 6 range: a Construction 8×4 CF, Construction 6×4 CF, 4×2 LF flatbed with manual transmission, a 4×2 CF skip lorry, and lastly a rear-steer 8×2 CF. DAF reckons it has a truck to suit any application – and there’s certainly plenty of choice.
From the outside, you’d be forgiven for thinking DAF has simply treated the CF to a cosmetic facelift, attaching a new grille and light assembly to the existing cab, which has been around for over 20 years. But under the skin, it’s all change. New engines, a new chassis, new transmissions and much improved interior combine to bring the truck right up to date. The familiar CF is a huge favourite with both fleet and private firms and it’s a case of evolution, not revolution. In any case, even though the old model first hit the road back in 2001, it still looks the part.
Get behind the wheel and you’ll notice the dash architecture of the old CF has been retained. The shape and overall layout haven’t dated, but the switchgear itself, including the location of some switches and the overall quality of plastics was starting to look its age, with the dash info display and its brown/yellow colours looking particularly old. So that’s good news – DAF has kept all that was good about the old truck, and updated everything else.
Read the rest of this feature in the November 2014 issue of Trucking. Buy the magazine here
