With an electric and diesel version, there was no better way to test out Yutong’s C12 and C12E models than by taking them to the streets

ABC’s bus aficionado, Paul Aldridge, recently sat down with Sara Clark and Luke Edwardes to see what makes these new models stand out. 

“Yutong has put in the effort over the years and is now seen as one of the premium brands on the market,” Sara told ABC. 

Recognising the main thing Australian operators looked for – buses that would suit their Australian conditions and passenger expectations – Yutong  creating products that would supersede other options on the market. 

“While only being around for a relatively short amount of time, we have worked incredibly hard to build trust and rapport with our Australian customers, providing high-quality products that are tailored specifically for them.”

The C12 and C12E are the culmination of these discussions, ticking off a variety of boxes for operators. 

“The diesel and electric version both have a variety of applications, from school and day charter, to extended tours and more,” Sara says. 

“The C12E was the first model to land in Australia, with the diesel version coming only a few months later.

“Driver and passenger comfort are a big selling point for these models, with every detail meticulously picked out. We also heavily prioritised safety.”

Itching to get behind the wheel, Paul left the Yutong factory at Prestons in Sydney and took off down to Camden to get a real feel of how they performed on the road. The drive gave a mix of highway, suburban and country roads.

With both models looking almost identical, the exterior and interior present a modern and sleek European aesthetic that is consistent across the range.

Keeping a standard specification for both models, the C12 and electric version are 12.4m, 53-seat charter/mine buses that can also be configured as a 57-seat school bus.

“The seats feel very comfortable,” Paul says whilst testing out the passenger seating. 

“The passenger air con feels very nice and good quality. There are even high-quality USB ports available for use.”

A small amount of luggage room is awarded to the roof, with a new generation of luggage racks and semi-hidden brackets balancing aesthetics with practicality.

Yutong prioritised passenger and driver comfort when designing these models, with ergonomics clearly a focus. Adopting advanced intelligent technology, integrated design and convenient control configuration, the model provides a comfortable, efficient, more humanised and considerate driving experience. 

Jumping in the driver’s seat, Paul immediately fixed his attention to the layout. 

“The C12 has a nice layout, everything is right at my fingertips,” he says.

“I like the way they have sat these switches on an angle. The controls on the steering wheel have various applications, but everything that you need for day-to-day checks are right here.

“I don’t need to be scrolling through anything.”

Each detail was meticulously picked to suit Australian drivers, with the aircon and lower vents drawing the eye of Paul. 

“I think being able to control the air con is a must. You can adjust it quickly on the spot and Yutong chose that well,” he says.

“I’ve also never seen so many vents for the driver. They are adjustable. They are fantastic.

“I live in the Blue Mountains, and I get cold feet. There are two vents down at the floor so that will be perfect for those winter months.”

Air vents at the back of the bus were also important to include, especially in Australian summer where air control is a top factor for operators and passengers. 

“Both mirrors are electric and heated, which is also a welcome feature,” Paul says.

A 360-degree camera has been fitted to each bus, scanning the surroundings for dangers and allowing the driver a better sense of control. 

“The 360 camera can monitor a passenger as they walk around the bus. It is tracking them the whole way. Every bus in 2024 onwards should have this feature.”

Hitting the road after the demonstrations, Paul says the C12 was “driving quite nice.”

“This bus has 340hp, I can feel as though there is plenty of power here that won’t be compromised with passengers being on board.”

The C12 is powered by a Cummins 6 cylinder, turbocharged and charge air cooled engine, running 340 hp with 1600 Nm torque.

All Yutong diesel buses are Euro 6 compliant, meeting the highest standards for emissions control. The company’s commitment ensures that customers benefit from the latest in clean technology, contributing to a healthier environment and more sustainable public transport solutions. 

“This particular engine is well suited to the bus. It’s not overpowered or underpowered, it’s right at that sweet spot,” Paul says.

“Accessibility into the engine is easy, with daily checks easy to get to. Everything is basic and simple to get to.”

Pulling into a nearby carpark to switch over to the battery-electric version, the C12E, Paul highlighted the small differences between the two models.

“The storage space for both is just fantastic,” he says. “The C12 has a hard wearing wood grain composite timber floor lining with three doors per side with a generous luggage capacity of eight cubic metres.”

“It’s as big as half a football field.” 

Comparatively, the C12E has two bins of storage, with a slight reduction in space due to the accommodation of the batteries. However, this adjustment is minimal and more than sufficient for typical charter needs.

The 790mm clearance of the central truss in the luggage compartment is 200mm higher than that of the previous generation, making it convenient for luggage storage and collection, even with the C12E’s advanced battery system.

The electric model is run on a 10 pack, 35-kilowatt system that is stored around the bus with vertical intrusion bars to maximise safety. 

“Going from driving the C12 to C12E is night and day difference,” Paul says. 

“The C12E feels so much smoother and the power steering is excellent, the turning circle is really nice.

 “I am just cruising through a country town where I have had to slow down to 40 kilometres per hour which is when the bus is regenerating.”

The drive motor in the C12E is 150 kilowatts, with a massive 3200 Nm torque. 

“It feels more solid in ways, which could be due to the lack of sound. The bus has plenty of power.

“When you are on the brakes, it is recharging the battery. The peak take off is 350 kilowatts and the re-gen is 350 kilowatts so what you are drawing out you can put back into the re-gen.”

While similar in aesthetic and functionality, the C12 and C12E are in different leagues. 

“The diesel bus has been fantastic. It’s a great bus with applications for charters, long distance, school bus, mining. It will do it all with no problems at all,” Paul says. 

“The electric bus however is on another level. The mannerisms of it on the road are quiet and pleasant to drive. Even braking feels different.

“It is wrapped up in the same package externally, yet they both drive so different.”   

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