DAF XF105 Euro 5 Review
DAF XF105 Review
DAF's FT XF105 ATe Edition occupies an often over-looked niche in the UK haulage industry. There are relatively few operators running 40-tonne GCW artics, with most outfits going for the standard 44-tonne three-plus-three configuration to maximise productivity and income potential. Some industries do use the 40 tonners, including packaging companies, the big supermarkets and fridge units. The common denominator for these operators is that the bulk of the loads tops out before the weight does and this makes the 40-tonne configuration a more economical choice. The Ate is DAF's economy offering, which is also available on their LF and CF wagons as well as on their 6x2 tractor.
Euro 5 EEV PACCAR Engine
The ATe Edition also comes with the Space Cab and trusty 460hp MX engine. This turbocharged and intercooled straight-six power plant on the Ate Edition has been kitted out with new cylinder liners, pistons and piston rings and has a fully encapsulated manifold to reduce thermal and mechanical losses. An optimal fuel-injection system aids the Ate in conforming to Euro 5 EEV standards and the engine brake is powerful enough to keep the service brakes fresh in reserve for those immediate stopping demands. There is also an automatic engine stop, which will switch everything off after five minutes of idling. It also comes with an 85km speed limiter.
Economy is Key
The focus of this vehicle is obviously economy and the careful driver has a constant read-out of real-time fuel consumption. The adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning is helpful in keeping your foot off the right pedal. The DAF FT XF105 ATe Edition uses the lower-roofed Space Cab to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption but it still boasts 1,735mm of headroom inside, with a low-height engine cover. There is an 810mm wide pocket-sprung lower mattress and an optional top bunk too. The driver's seat and steering wheel are both fully adjustable and it is easy to find a good driving position. An angled dash contains a well-thought-out grouping of switches and many drivers report that the DAF instrument display is the best there is.
That 12.9 litre MX340 engine also receives excellent feedback and the straight six gives a sprightly performance. The maximum 462 horses gallop past between 1,500 and 1,900rpm with 2,300Nm of torque being produced between 1,000 and 1,410rpm. The turbo and intercooler help the MX340 make light work of its 40-tonne maximum weight, even on long hill climbs. Economy is clearly important, though #&8211; on mixed test routes it can return 9.5mpg fully laden.
DAF has enhanced its AS Tronic gearbox for this edition and the revised 12AS 2330 TD auto box will select the right gear as close to 100% of the time as it is possible to get. The software also lets the revs get down to under 1,000 before changing down on hill climbs. With crisp handling from the two-axle set-up and a top-class braking system with particularly impressive engine break, the DAF FT XF105 ATe Edition proves that an economy truck doesn't mean cutting back on performance or comfort.