A closer look at the Yutong D7 through an Australian road test, exploring its safety features, driver comfort and on-road performance.

When Paul Aldridge, host of Australian Bus & Coach TV, got behind the wheel of a new Yutong D7 for a road test around Picton, New South Wales, he put the vehicle through its paces across suburban streets, winding country roads and a steep climb.

The review explored the D7’s safety systems, cabin comfort and driving performance, highlighting the features that stood out during a full day behind the wheel.

1. First Impressions: Coach Comfort in a Compact Body

Aldridge’s first reaction when entering the driver’s seat was how little the D7 felt like a small minibus.

“It feels like you’re in a coach.”

He highlighted the cabin finish, steering wheel and driver’s console, noting the attention given to the vehicle’s interior design.

The D7 accommodates 23 to 28 passengers within a 7-metre vehicle footprint. Its compact dimensions make it suitable for manoeuvring around school pick-up zones and shopping centre car parks, while retaining the interior feel of a larger coach.

One of the first features Aldridge noticed was the 360° camera system integrated into the dashboard LCD, together with blind spot monitoring. Both form part of the D7’s advanced safety features.

He was also impressed by the quiet cabin, particularly how little engine noise reached the driver’s seat at 80 km/h, as well as the predictable steering response and handling.

2. On the Road: Quiet, Predictable and Powerful

During the drive along country roads, several engineering features caught Aldridge’s attention.

The lane departure warning system uses a light vibration through the steering wheel rather than an audible alarm. Aldridge preferred this approach because it avoids alarming passengers who may not know what has triggered the warning.

When descending a steep incline, he tested the D7’s four-stage retarder system. Even the first stage provided sufficient braking assistance, meaning he rarely needed to use the second stage.

The vehicle’s performance was particularly noticeable when climbing back up the hill.

The D7 is powered by a Cummins engine producing 190 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. Aldridge described how the engine’s torque helped the bus climb a steep gradient smoothly.

At a cruising speed of 90 km/h, he found the ride comfortable, including for an extended day tour lasting three to five hours.

3. Inside the Driver’s Office

After returning to Picton, Aldridge took a closer look at the details that contribute to the driver’s everyday experience.

The Allison transmission is electronically controlled, with Drive, Neutral and Reverse selected through a simple dial rather than a traditional T-bar gear selector. The selected gear is also displayed on the dashboard LCD.

The 360° camera system received further attention. In addition to providing an aerial view of the vehicle’s surroundings when navigating traffic or tight parking spaces, the system can place a tracking box around a moving object on the screen.

Aldridge highlighted the potential usefulness of this feature when checking whether a child has safely moved clear of the bus after a school stop.

“That’s an amazing safety feature.”

The air conditioning controls are operated through the LCD screen, while a physical analogue dial is also provided as a backup in case the screen fails.

Aldridge appreciated this practical design, particularly for hot charter days when maintaining cabin air conditioning is important.

Other features include electric blinds, a steering column adjustable both vertically and horizontally, and an engine bay top cover that lifts off directly for daily oil and water checks.

4. Built for Passengers, Too

The D7’s design also considers passenger comfort and practical transport requirements.

The vehicle comes standard with 28 ADR-approved seat-belted seats and a fold-down LCD TV screen. Reclining seats are available as an option for charter and touring applications.

For school transport operators, a 2-for-3 child seating configuration can increase capacity to 41 seats.

Each passenger seat is also equipped with its own USB charging port as standard.

5. Exterior Design and Practical Features

Aldridge also examined the D7’s exterior design and practical features.

He highlighted the heated electric mirrors, which help prevent ice and fogging in cold conditions and water build-up during rainy weather.

Daytime running lights, chrome inserts and a redesigned front grille with an egg-crate-style pattern give the D7 what he described as a distinctly European appearance.

The vehicle also features two separate battery isolation switches: one located in the battery compartment and another on the dashboard, providing redundancy.

A rear storage compartment is rated to carry up to 150 kg.

The air conditioning unit is mounted on the roof, helping keep dust and road grime away from the system.

Access to diesel and AdBlue is provided through locked compartments. An air-operated emergency release is also incorporated.

The final feature Aldridge examined was the Mobileye camera and radar system, which monitors following distance and the driving patterns of vehicles ahead.

6. The Verdict

Following the road test around Picton, Aldridge was impressed by the combination of the D7’s engine, transmission and safety features.

He highlighted Yutong’s long-standing partnerships with Cummins and Allison, as well as the vehicle’s Euro VI engine.

“This bus is just packed with safety features.”

The D7 left a strong impression through its quiet cabin, strong torque, comfortable driving experience and extensive safety equipment.

Discover the Yutong D7

The Australian road test offers an opportunity to explore the Yutong D7’s driving experience, safety features and practical design in real-world conditions.

Watch Paul Aldridge’s full road test on Australian Bus & Coach TV and read more about the review in ABC Magazine.

For more information about Yutong buses and services in Australia, please contact the Yutong Australia team or VDI Australia, Yutong’s authorised distributor in Australia.