DAF 75-270
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Like the 85.360 recently-tested by CM, the 75 is a very driveable machine. The reworked 8.65-litre engine has lots of lowdown torque which makes it ideal for trundling through congested streets. It's also quite happy out on the motorway running at 85km/h where the EGAS cruise control came into its own.
The straight-six Daf diesel is well matched to the ZF box. Our 75270 pulled away happily from rest in second before skipping to fourth and progressing up through the gears. Half changes can be taken quite comfortably at 1, 500-1, 600rpm and you don't have to work the engine hard to get results. If we're going to have a 16-speed box on a distribution truck (we reckon that nine or 12 speeds should be enough) then the 75's single-H pattern gear lever with rangechange and splitter collar is the way to go. You can preselect the range change, unlike a double-H pattern.
Shift effort on the ZF box is low—one benefit of having modest torque throughput—and the pattern is precise. The splitter action is also quick.
Around the twisting Dutch country roads the drawbar combina tion handled well with the precise TRW steering pointing it in the right direction.
Overall the ride on the prime mover was good; but then with drive-axle air and a long-wheelbase k it should be. The seat was supportive enough but could have done with a headrest Visibility is well up to scratch, thanks to the deep screen. The dash is nicely laid out although the rev counter could be bigger.
The interior has a distinctive "fleet" feel to it with practical dark blue rubber flooring and door panels.
Storage space is at a premium. The clip-on boxes are all very well but there's no guarantee _ that your gaffer will buy them.