Roaming Mountains and Seas, Unleashing Trendsetting Energy: Initial S Concludes as Haval H6S Defines a New Sporty Style

“Eye-catching design, performance maxed out—to conquer the young Generation Z, the Haval H6S is determined to be the fastest and trendiest SUV”; “Add the S and it’s a powerhouse: 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, the Haval H6S firmly earns its label as the ‘new-generation trendy ride’!”; “With seven drive modes and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, it’s hands-down the best SUV I’ve tested this year!”… These are the driving impressions from media across the country after the recent “Initial S” regional test drive challenge, meticulously created by Haval. Its class-leading driving enjoyment, far beyond the norm, has won high praise even from professional critics who’ve “driven countless cars”.

Dubbed “Initial S,” this test drive event spanned six cities across China from north to south, covering east and west in 45 days. Gathering professional media, it visited Qingdao, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Changsha, Chongqing, and Shenyang in turn – exploring stunning landscapes, tackling devilishly winding roads, and conquering one extreme driving challenge after another. Throughout, the “new-gen trendy ride” Haval H6S delivered the true “driving pleasure” a coupé SUV should offer for Gen Z youth, whether in power, handling, ride quality, or smart features.

Man and Machine as One: Qingdao and Guangzhou Experience Coupe SUV’s Agility and Intelligence

Amid serene waters and picturesque mountains, the Haval H6S made its first appearance on Qingdao’s Instagram-famous Bus Route 618, then pushed its performance to the limit atop Maofeng Mountain, the highest peak in the “City of Rams” (Guangzhou). Its surging power and exceptional handling immediately gave drivers a sense of “man and machine as one.”

When a car unleashes its potential in an instant, responsiveness of the throttle and steering is crucial – that synergy between car and driver forms the foundation of driving enjoyment. Whether traversing mountainous seaside roads with countless slopes on Qingdao’s Route 618, or charging to the top of Guangzhou’s highest peak, the Haval H6S 2.0T fuel version relies on its all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (max power 155 kW, peak torque 325 N·m) paired with a second-generation 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Together, this golden powertrain and professional tuning deliver a burst of power the moment you hit a steep incline. A 0-100 km/h sprint of just 6.8 seconds makes short work of even the most challenging mountain passes.

In terms of smart interaction, the first-ever coffee intelligent cockpit system GC-OS brings an advanced smart driving experience to the Haval H6S – another expression of “man and machine as one.” The IP voice recognition assistant precisely understands every word you say, while natural-sounding, lifelike voice responses anticipate your needs, turning thoughts into actions instantly.

Full of Surprises: Hangzhou and Changsha – Cornering with Composure

Pioneering trends between mountains and seas, conquering Maofeng Peak in Lingnan, and completing the Qingdao and Guangzhou legs, “Initial S” next landed in heavenly Hangzhou and star city Changsha. Here, the Haval H6S was about to face the ultimate test of the Dawai Line – dubbed “China’s Mount Akina” – and the 22 Turns of Black Elk Peak.

Behind the wheel, responsiveness is just one part; the ability to carry more speed through corners with greater control and high grip adds a layer of excitement that elevates the driving experience. Through a string of devilish bends – U-turns, S-curves, and hairpins – in Hangzhou and Changsha, the Haval H6S demonstrated natural “cornering DNA” with effortless composure. Compared with the third-generation Haval H6, the H6S lowers its center of gravity by 10 mm; anti-roll bars on both front and rear suspensions improve body control while reinforcing chassis support; and key components have been stiffened, increasing steering system rigidity and reducing friction. Through multiple corners, the H6S maintains a remarkably stable posture, and when sharp turns come, precise steering control makes every cornering move crisp and clean.

The new front MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension works in harmony with its elastic components and dampers. Through consecutive hairpins, the suspension’s compression and rebound keep the tires glued to the road, maximising grip and overall handling, letting the car follow the driver’s intentions smoothly. In addition, the dampers filter out vibrations impressively – when tackling prolonged speed bumps on mountain roads, the car’s unsprung mass control and body composure strike a fine balance, delivering notable comfort. As the Haval H6S powers out of a corner with poise, the resulting sense of achievement and surprise makes driving endlessly rewarding.

Atmosphere Maxed Out: Chongqing and Shenyang – Driving Pleasure Elevated in Every Dimension

Adrenaline pumping, pulse racing. The Haval H6S has navigated treacherous paths from east to west. Finally, the “Initial S” tour arrived at its last two stops: Chongqing and Shenyang. One is a city of perilous mountain roads, tier upon tier; the other, a wonderland cloaked in snow. Carving along cliff faces and letting loose on icy roads, with intelligent mode switching for any terrain, and an ambience that oozes sportiness – these are the key ingredients behind the Haval H6S’s ultimate driving thrill.

Whether on Chongqing’s intricate urban roads or Shenyang’s snowy terrain, the BorgWarner intelligent all-wheel-drive system automatically switches between two- and four-wheel drive depending on driving conditions, ensuring outstanding performance on any surface. Its all-terrain driving mode control system lets you freely choose from seven modes – Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Off-Road, and Track – instantly awakening the thrill of the drive.

Acoustically, the Haval H6S features a class-exclusive Track mode with a genuine exhaust soundtrack and, thanks to professional powertrain calibration, a launch control function. The launch rpm can be raised above 1800, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of just 6.8 seconds – the car leaps forward like a cheetah, letting the driver revel in the wild thrill of the exhaust note.

Visually, the Haval H6S offers multiple exclusive HMIs. In Classic mode, the ‘Reality World’ display uses detailed 3D models to faithfully reproduce the car’s perception of its surroundings – including lane markings, object positions, object types, and traffic cones. It clearly shows relevant ADAS functions, such as smart evasive manoeuvres, giving drivers an added sense of security on Chongqing’s congested roads.

For seating comfort, the Haval H6S features racing-inspired integrated sport seats that blend black embossed patterns with suede-like trim, creating a bold contrast in colour and texture that delivers a strong dose of adrenaline. Ergonomically designed with generous padding and excellent lateral support, these seats offer electric adjustment and heating, embodying sporty luxury and supreme comfort. Throughout the interior, visible double stitching in daring contrast colours complements the sport seats, crafting a cabin that’s irresistibly trendy. The comfortable, practical seating experience also helps melt away fatigue after a long mountain-road test drive.

There’s a well-known maxim in marketing: basic marketing merely informs, advanced marketing persuades, and ultimate marketing moves people emotionally, earning user recognition and lasting brand loyalty. That’s exactly what “Initial S” achieved: by putting users first, designing complex, multi-dimensional challenges that mirror young drivers’ daily needs – equally at home in the city and out in the wild – and involving professional media and KOLs, the inherently trendy Haval H6S attracted a large following of young potential buyers, laying the groundwork for future sales growth.

This test drive tour marks a proud new chapter in ten years of glory for the national SUV, the Haval H6, as it charges into the sporty arena. As the newest member of the Haval H6 family, the H6S combines trendsetting style with full-strength performance to define the “driving pleasure” young people love. Built for the young, the Haval H6S is a sharp weapon aimed squarely at the coupé SUV segment – and it’s set to shine with limitless brilliance!