Dongfeng KR

On the inside of the Dongfeng KR, one can sense a huge similarity in its cabin with that of the heavy-duty and off-road-oriented Dongfeng KC. However, while the cabin of the KC lacks some crucial modern features, the Dongfeng KR packs them.

The drab looking steering wheel as well as analog instrument console with blue graphics shared with the KC and KR range of trucks makes up for a not so inviting driver’s cockpit with its boring field of vision.

However, the curved dashboard with its centre console facing towards the driver does pack in some modern and good looking bits. The centre console has a rectangular housing with curved side edges, which here houses a large touchscreen infotainment system along with controls for AC placed just below it. Like in other Dongfengs, the KR too comes with a range of switches placed in the lower portion of the dashboard’s centre console.

Apart from the touchscreen infotainment system, the Dongfeng KR comes with additional features like AC and power windows which are basic yet add to the utility of the user.

The Dongfeng KR, to start with, has a very safe design that looks simple yet modern enough to suit the modern tastes. It does not come with any particular standout feature, however, the design makes it look bigger than the other trucks in its segment.

The frontal portion of the Dongfeng KR has a large and rectangular windscreen that has rounded edges to make it look a bit aerodynamic. There are a slew of rear view mirrors – precisely four on either side – which aid in rear and side visibilities very much.

The front fascia of the Dongfeng KR has a large rectangular grille, which is split into two just from the middle by a chrome line element running through it. Above this grille are placed two grab handles on either sides for load-carrying purposes.

The front bumper placed just below the grille is quite large and gives a macho look to the front of the Dongfeng KR. The bumper comes with a pair of trapezoidal headlamps placed on either side, with rectangular fog lamps placed below them. The central portion comes with large two hooks positioned inwards with a sleek grille in between their upper edges.

The Dongfeng KR is armed with a front and rear axle load carrying a combination of 4.5 / 9 tonnes, which makes the KR quite a capable truck when it comes to carrying load with ease. The truck has a wheelbase of 5600 mm and a ground clearance of 240 mm, which do make up for a low slung stance in terms of trucks, giving the Dongfeng KR a planted stability at higher speeds.

The Dongfeng KR is powered by the company’s mid-range 4.75-litre inline-six water-cooled diesel engine. Coupled to a manual gearbox, this engine might not sound too big and powerful for a truck of this size, but delivers a decent power output of 180 PS and a peak torque output of 650 Nm. These figures do get the job done, however, we would have wished to see higher numbers with that respect. The top speed of the Dongfeng KR is rated at 105 kmph.

The Dongfeng KR is slightly more inclined towards safety when compared to other trucks from its stable, given the fact that it is one of the newest trucks from Dongfeng. The KR comes equipped with a driver-side airbag and central locking, along with a Beidou navigation satellite system compatible with GPS.

For a medium-duty truck, the Dongfeng KR looks a bit bigger, which does aid in its visual appeal and load carrying capabilities, something which is helped by the fantastic chassis under its skin.