At the beginning of 2011, professional drivers joined forces with the FERNFAHRER magazine to test the DAF XF 105 Safety Truck. The professionals were fairly enthusiastic about the Dutch long-distance lorry.
Manuel Koch from Bad Salzungen had only switched from a Scania Topline 500 to an Actros 1841 with EPS gearbox and L cab a few weeks before the test. He had both vehicles in the back of his mind as points of comparison for the DAF XF 105 Safety Truck. He told the FERNFAHRER editors, “The seat position and view are good, although the mirrors could be a little larger. The suspension is also OK, but I like the firm set-up of the Scania a bit more.”
Praise for the automatic transmission of the DAF XF 105
Koch had nothing but praise for the automatic transmission and engine of the DAF XF 105 (“it really isn’t bad at pulling away”), the handling on narrow, winding country roads and the powerful retarder. As far as the safety systems are concerned, the camera covering the blind spot (“a good thing”), the active cruise control (ACC) and the stability programme, which he tested under controlled conditions at a motorway exit, performed best. Finally, the DAF XF 105 was very impressive when it came to the latest Super Space Cab: “A very good seat, large storage compartments, nice instruments, plenty of space and a bed that feels very good – it’s better than being at home.”
Joachim Merten from Erfurt was already familiar with DAF lorries before the test. At the time of the FERNFAHRER test, he was driving an XF 95.480 with Super Space Cab and 16-gear manual transmission. “I insist on a gear stick, especially in winter”, he says spontaneously, although he admitted after a few kilometres that, “The automatic transmission of the DAF XF 105 changes gear very responsively.”
The Super Space Cab of the DAF XF 105 is impressive
Along with the opportunity to intervene using the steering column lever and foot (“with a little practice you can also change gear with the accelerator”), Merten also liked the anti-rollback system. He can easily do without a lane tracking system, but the retarder (“should be an essential”), side camera (“you can simply see more in many situations”) and ACC were rated highly, not just because of safety: “You won’t collect any more points from distance checks either.” His impression of the redesigned Super Space Cab of the DAX XF 105: “Even the blind on the sunroof now works electronically – not bad. The steering wheel buttons are good, everything you need is there. And the two drawers under the bed are perfect.” He also thinks the new panel between the sun blind and the A-pillar is “a good idea”. But perhaps his conclusion is not entirely objective: “The DAF is the best truck I know.”
Thorsten Präcklein from Kirburg was familiar with the automatic ZF transmission in the DAF XF 105 from his MAN TGX 18.440 XXL. But without the integrated retarder: “I only have the engine brake in my MAN. A retarder is always sensible and better for the brakes, too.” He thought the steering wheel adjustment was “OK”, the instruments clear and the seat comfortable. Only the mirrors were a little to small for Präcklein.
The DAF XF 105 is a nice drive
The 32-year-old was entirely satisfied with the driving experience of the DAF XF 105: “With 40 tonnes it pulls away well, the suspension is very firm – good for bends – and quite quiet as far as engine noise is concerned,” he told the FERNFAHRER editors. He would prefer to switch on the side camera in inner-city traffic, on the motorway he liked the ACC (“I know the system from an earlier TGA and I think it’s great”) and the lane tracker too. He also thought the anti-rollback system and the night lock (“especially abroad”) were good ideas. “The fridge is larger than in the TGX and I like the microwave. The table in the middle is nice, too, and the ashtray is big enough. There is one thing I miss: a cup holder on the dashboard.” Well, if that’s the only thing …
