Dongfeng KL

On the inside, the entire cockpit of the passenger cabin of the Dongfeng KL has a certain level of modernity. However, it is the lack of new-age features, which do make the cabin feel a bit basic in terms of usability.

The steering wheel is a fairly large unit, but has a boring design with a minimalist centre boss with two spokes and lack of any controls on it. The all-analog instrument console has two large dials – one each for speedometer and tachometer, with various telltale lamps positioned beside them.

The dashboard has a curved design, which accommodates the instrument console on the left side and the centre console on the other, with the focus towards the driver side. The centre console facing towards the driver has a rectangular housing for the opened glove box, with AC controls placed just below it.

Besides this housing on the right side is a single DIN audio system, below which there is an additional storage space for storing small things. The lower portion of the centre console on the dashboard has an array o fb switches for various functions.

The two seats in the cabin are well partitioned with a central panel which comes with fairly sized cup holders and a small storage compartment.

The Dongfeng KL has been characterized as a modern-day contemporary truck, which is quite evident from the way it looks. While it isn’t something which can be termed as revolutionary, it still classifies as a good looking design.

At the front, the Dongfeng KL looks smart, with a large front windshield which has been laid in a vertical manner, and comes with rounded edges to make its appeal look not so basic. There is a big black protruding panel placed just above the windshield which acts as an upper hat for the windshield. The windshield itself comes with three intermittent wipers.

The front grille is positioned right at the centre of the front fascia – this trapezoidal grille has a sleek chrome element running through the centre of it. At the edges of the front panel are placed vertically designed faux air vents.

The front bumper is large and has bigger edges to accommodate the headlamp assemblies on them. The headlamps, which are shaped in L-like pattern, are slightly rounded on the edges and do incorporate turn indicators as well. However, the presence of projector headlamps would have taken the premium quotient to a new level. The fog lamps are positioned just below the main headlamps, while the central part of the bumper comes with an additional grille to enhance the aesthetics.

With the wheelbase of 3500 mm and a ground clearance of 230 mm, the Dongfeng KL comes fitted with air suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels. The handling is pretty decent and so is the ride quality.

The Dongfeng KL comes with an 11-litre inline-six turbocharged diesel engine, which classifies it as a full size modern heavy-duty truck. Paired to a 14-speed gearbox which has two additional gears for reverse, this engine produces a maximum power output of 385 PS and a peak torque output of 1800 Nm. The top speed is rated at 105 kmph.

The Dongfeng KL lacks any of the contemporary safety features but has got an inbuilt Beidou navigation satellite system to keep the vehicle in one’s records.

The Dongfeng KL might not be as modern and feature-rich truck to classify itself as a premium offering, but then, it has got a fairly contemporary design that is pleasing to the eyes. The engine is potent, and the chassis is worthy enough to withstand heavy load, with ease of driving and decent ride quality making it a practical vehicle to live with.