The DAF’s New Generation XF which PowerTorque’s European Correspondent, Will Shiers, drove was fitted with DAF’s new Digital Vision System, which sees conventional mirrors replaced by cameras located high up on the sides of the cab, with images projected onto screens mounted on the A-pillars. Like Mercedes-Benz’s MirrorCam system, the camera pans while cornering, always keeping the rear of the trailer in the centre. Lines appear on the screens, identifying the rear of the trailer (to aid manoeuvring), and informing the driver when it’s safe to pull in after overtaking another vehicle.
The cameras are fully retractable, and the lenses are heated to prevent snow of ice from fouling the view. The screens take very little time to get used to, and with no external mirrors blocking your view on the approach to roundabouts and junctions, visibility is vastly better.
That said, I can’t help but think that DAF (like Mercedes before it) has solved a problem that never actually existed! But with a claimed 1.4 per cent fuel economy saving achieved by switching to cameras, I’d be very surprised if conventional mirrors aren’t confined to the history books within a few years in Europe.
One camera I do have considerably more time for is the one mounted to the front offside corner, just beneath the windscreen. Christened Corner View, it replaces the kerb and front view mirrors, and greatly exceeds the field of vision of conventional glass. There’s a second screen mounted on the passenger side A-pillar. It really works a treat, and has clear safety benefits.
Last year London introduced the Direct Vision Standard, a safety permit for heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes. Trucks are given a star rating, based purely on how much the driver can see through their cab windows. While the current XF failed to score any stars, this latest version is capable of achieving a 3-star rating, which is a first for a long-haul prime mover.
But to be awarded this, operators must specify both the camera system and the kerbside window fitted into the lower part of the door in this truck. In all honesty I don’t rate these windows, which are difficult to see out of at the best of times, especially when there’s a passenger seat/passenger’s legs/junk on the floor obstructing the view. However, this cab was equipped with DAF’s new cinema-type passenger seat, which can be folded out of the way, giving a clear view through the window.
All in all, I’m hugely impressed with the New Generation XF, which has an abundance of driver and operator appeal.
So DAF, please accept my apologies for all the mick-taking over the last decade or so. I now fully admit that it’s been well worth the wait. Of course Australian buyers will have to be a little more patient, but trust me, it’ll be worth it.
