Winding Turns, Fierce Kunming Battle: Haval H6S Stages a 68-Turn Extreme Challenge on Yiliang Mountain Road!
On March 9, the second season of the 'Initial S' Haval H6S regional test drive challenge stormed the Spring City, embarking on an all-new challenge at Yiliang's 68 Turns, acclaimed as the 'No.1 Curve Road Under Heaven.' Since the Haval H6S hit the market, the roar of the 'Initial S' engine has echoed across north and south. It has already left its proud record of conquest on the treacherous curves of Qingdao's 618 Shanhai Highway, the Tianmu Mountains in Anji, Maofeng Mountain in Guangzhou, Heimi Peak in Changsha, Black Valley in Chongqing, and Qipan Mountain in Shenyang. Adapting to diverse road conditions with ease, it has showcased its formidable strengths in extreme handling, surging power, efficient travel, and a comfortable ride. As the second season revs up, the convoy once again assembles in the land of colorful clouds – Yunnan. Amid the magnificent mountain scenery, the Haval H6S unleashes the true character of a new-generation sporty fastback, powered by the passion of dashing across Yunnan.
Stylish 'Black Shark' Dazzles the Spring City: A Devilish Challenge Awaits
In March, the north is still experiencing the chill of early spring with trees just budding, but the Spring City of Kunming is already enveloped in a warm climate where 'flowers bloom in all four seasons and spring never fades; the river under the spring moon is Kunming.' This creates a striking contrast with the Haval H6S, which employs a bold 'Black Shark' aesthetic design language. Under the dappled sunlight, the H6S looks like a mysterious deep-sea shark leaping onto the road, its glossy body exuding a cool and trendy aura that captures hearts at first sight.
The sculptural shark pectoral fin front face, cool shark-eye LED headlights, smooth speed-fin side skirts, and the sharp, sporty shark tail design collectively reveal its athletic character. Cruising on city streets, the Haval H6S becomes a moving landscape, sweeping a brisk, cool ocean breeze through the avenues.
Driving out of downtown Kunming and onto the Shankun Expressway towards Yiliang, the H6S further demonstrates its powerful sports genes. The entire lineup comes standard with launch control and motorsport-derived integrated sports seats, while the fuel version uniquely features a track mode and an authentic sound system in its class. Upon entering the expressway, simply switch to track mode and the vehicle’s power response becomes radically more aggressive, like an arrow shot from a bow—swift and without hesitation. The acceleration shoves you firmly into the seat, delivering a thrilling rush that leaves you craving more.
After activating the sound system, the exhaust valves fully open. With launch control engaged, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds, delivering an instant racing feel. This lightning-fast speed experience is like an appetizer before the main event, not only previewing the H6S’s combat capability but also building even more anticipation for the upcoming 68 Turns challenge!
At the same time, the Haval H6S is equipped with a suite of smart technologies, including full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC), Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA), and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA). Using technology as a touchpoint, it covers every aspect of driving safety, ensuring a well-protected journey every time.
Hardcore Combat Power Challenges the Limits: Conquering the Mountain and Hunting Curves in One Go
Arriving at Jinxing Village in Kuangyuan Town, west of Yiliang county, you reach the entrance of the Yiliang 68 Turns mountain road. From the foot of the hill, all 68 bends climb upward, resembling a giant python coiling through the mountains. This high-altitude, high-drop road is a severe test for both engine performance and durability. It’s safe to say this 'Initial S' challenge is even more treacherous and complex than the six stops from last year.
Thanks to the Great Wall 4N20 high-efficiency engine and the upgraded 2.0GDIT turbo technology, the H6S churns out a maximum 155 kW of power and 325 N·m of torque at just 1,500 rpm. The early turbo engagement not only makes hill starts especially swift but also allows the vehicle to glide through a series of hairpin turns effortlessly. Pressing Sport mode, the engine responds with robust torque delivery, unleashing a continuous surge of power. With power to spare, the joy of corner-carving is exhilarating!
As the saying goes, you can't have your cake and eat it too. But the Haval H6S achieves a near-perfect balance between power and fuel economy. By optimizing the combustion chamber and intake port design, the 2.0GDIT engine achieves a 12:1 compression ratio and employs advanced technologies like the Miller cycle, bringing thermal efficiency to an internationally leading 38%. This boosts power while maintaining fuel efficiency.
As the convoy enters this perilous road, a long straight approach to the first bend seems ordinary, but once you're into the turns, the real danger and complexity unfold dramatically, and the driving difficulty skyrockets. The shortest curve spans less than 70 meters, requiring a sharp turn almost every 10 seconds. This places extreme demands on steering response and stability.
Compared with the third-generation Haval H6, the H6S features a lowered suspension stance with the center of gravity dropped by 10 mm. With front and rear stabilizer bars, it improves roll control while addressing understeer, strengthens chassis support, and reduces steering system friction to effectively shrink the steering dead zone, greatly enhancing safety. The 'master-class' chassis tuning gives the H6S superior stability, more precise steering, and higher sensitivity during acceleration, braking, and high-speed cornering. Not only is body lean completely imperceptible through the corners, but you'll never find the steering lacking. Facing these 68 twisting turns, the H6S behaves like a kung fu master with extraordinary skills, breezing through the difficulties with a light touch.
It's worth noting that many SUVs sacrifice ride comfort to achieve sporty handling, but the H6S, as a sporty coupe SUV, delivers outstanding cushioning. The Yiliang 68 Turns aren't all paved asphalt; some sections are not only bumpy but also covered with loose gravel, severely testing the chassis's vibration filtering. The H6S employs a new front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, striking a fine balance between handling and comfort. The dampers do an impressive job over gravel, with well-controlled unsprung mass and body motions. Throughout the corner-carving challenge, the ride was perfectly judged, a delightful surprise!
Immersive Intelligent Interaction: Enjoying a Relaxing Leisure Moment
After the thrill of the H6S's surging power and superb handling, the convoy gradually reached the summit. Sitting in the car for a rest, savoring the calm after an adrenaline-fueled drive, was remarkably pleasant. The H6S's many humanized intelligent technologies make these moments of rest even more beautiful and memorable.
The Haval H6S debuts an IP voice recognition assistant that covers all driving scenarios—before, during, and after the trip—understanding every word you say. It features Great Wall's self-developed intelligent voice interaction system, enhanced by natural voice and capable of multi-turn dialogue and contextual understanding. If you want to listen to a soothing song, just say, 'Hello Haval, play Teresa Teng's Strolling Through Life.' If you then want to recline your seat and gaze at the blue sky above, just continue with 'Open the sunroof.' While the gentle song plays and you look up at the sky, you quietly plan a brighter tomorrow.
On a narrow path, the brave prevail; in the curves, true prowess shines. The successful summit of the 68-turn challenge once again underscores the H6S's strong sports DNA and its formidable capabilities hidden beneath its striking looks. By conquering these treacherous curves, the H6S's extraordinary quality and class-leading performance earn greater recognition. Owning a Haval H6S means more than having an SUV that can tackle curves and water crossings with you—it means embracing a new sporty lifestyle. Gathered in the name of 'S', bonded by the journey of challenges, the next 'Initial S' challenge awaits. Let's look forward to more excitement!
