Truck enthusiasts have had a few months to spot the first examples of the new Kenworth K220 on New Zealand roads and at recent truck shows.

Now the next generation cab-over is officially here with the New Zealand launch taking place during Easter’s big `Wheels at Wanaka’ event. Four new K220s spent time in the spotlight with show goers keen to check out the refreshed exterior styling and the modernised interior.

A visit to the Southpac Trucks stand at Wanaka made it clear the new face was drawing the crowds. There was a queue to even climb into one with the public climbing all over the 6x4 tractor and 8x4 cab chassis demo units on display.

Once we managed to get in it’s very clear the direction Kenworth has taken. The main focus is improved driver comfort and most of the major changes, even from the outside, are for the driver’s benefit.

The new roof not only improves the aerodynamics but also the head room inside and even triples the overhead storage space. The added tech inside the cab with high-definition digital dash, multi-function smart steering wheel and induction phone charging pad are great, but at the same time Kenworth have managed to keep much of that traditional feel with the use of wood grain surfaces and analogue gauges.

The 15-inch high-definition digital instrument display and multi-function `Smart Wheel’ are the biggest technology upgrades and transfer directly from the T680 which is Kenworth’s North America market flagship.

The exterior highlights include the new grille and headlights which feature integrated indicators and daytime running lights while the high roof no longer has vista windows.

On the day it was good to see two K220s already in customer livery. As always it’s better to see a truck with a new face in fleet colours before casting judgment on the looks and the K220 is a bold looking truck that can’t be mistaken for anything other than a Kenworth.

In terms of performance and driveability the big change we are looking forward to sample when we get behind the wheel is the new Eaton Endurant XD Pro 18-speed automated transmission. It’s the flagship of Eaton’s AMT line-up and the 18-speed is a different philosophy to the 12- and 16-speed units favoured by many brands.

The full K220 line-up boasts 6×4, 8×4, 8×4 tandem with lazy axle, 8×6, 10×4 tandem with lazy axle and 10×6 variants. Cab options comprise 1.7m Day Cab, 2.3m Flat Roof sleeper, 2.3m Aerodyne sleeper and 2.8m Aerodyne sleeper.

The introduction of the K200 nearly 12 years ago delivered a big step forward for the Kenworth cab-over model in terms of design and technology and the K220 repeats the same process with another full cycle of modernisation.

With the introduction of the K220, the K200 moves into its run-out phase and customers who had ordered K200s have had the opportunity to switch their order to a K220. In the early stages the K220 is making up 40% of upcoming cab-over orders with that number set to climb steadily before the K200 is phased out around mid-2024.