//THE NEW KIA SELTOS

With the Seltos being a late arrival on the local crossover scene, it faces a minor Herculean task of enticing prospective buyers to consider a Kia in a market segment dominated by the new T-Cross from Volkswagen and the Creta from Korean partner Hyundai, in addition to a proliferation of models from other rivals in the highly contested B-SUV segment.

In an attempt to give the “son of Hercules” some credence in an already crowded segment, Kia went for a bold design with attentiongrabbing cosmetics, backed up by slightly larger physical dimensions, elevated specification levels, and a relatively broad range covering all facets of the segment. Besides the petrol driven EX entrylevel model, the Indian-built range initially consisted of a mid-level EX+ variant, available in manual and automatic guise, and a range-topping GT-Line derivative with manual- or dual-clutch transmission. This line-up was recently expanded with three diesel models in two spec levels.

DIESEL POWER

The diesels (only distinguishable by a subtle CRDI badge on the tailgate) are also available in EX or EX+ specification levels, with the EX models available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed auto transmission, while EX+ models are only available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Interestingly, the CRDI derivatives are also the first from Kia to use the new-generation 1.5-litre four-cylinder direct injection engine with variable geometry turbocharger, delivering 86 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. As the diesels were only launched at the end of July, it was too late to acquire one for our planned trip.

However, a halo model GT-Line with glorious “Intelligency Blue” body colour more than made up for this. As the sporty offering in the range, its striking exterior is augmented by satin chrome finishes and red edging around the square nose and arresting “tiger nose” grille.

More chrome at the rear and the shoulder line may be appealing to some but this, as well as the garnish to the top of the grille, is overkill in our view and detracts from the design of the unique LED daytime-running lights.

SIX TASKS

Reports of cold weather and snow falls on the highestWestern Cape mountain tops led us to devise a route consisting of six mountain passes (Nuwekloof Pass, Mitchell’s Pass, Swaarmoed Pass, Theronsberg Pass, Hex River Pass, and Du Toitskloof Pass) leading to and from the Matroosberg near Ceres.

We filled the relatively small 256-litre boot of the GT-Line (due to a full-sized spare wheel) with camera gear and snow garments and set off for Ceres via Nuwekloof Pass near Tulbach and Mitchell’s Pass, gateway to the biggest town in the Witzenberg municipal area.

The leather clad and slightly bolstered front seats of the GT-Line are comfortable, and it was easy to find a good driving position behind the sporty D-shaped steering wheel. The contrasting red embroidery, unique to the model, matches the bold exterior styling and is attractive, but the plastic glossblack trim on the instrument panel less so; not to mention the programmable mood lighting pulsing to the beat of the music playing in the vehicle.

The roomy cabin, with enough legroom for rear passengers and perceived quality on par with the T-Cross and better than that of the current Creta, warranted a quick and comfortable journey towards the snow-capped peaks North of Ceres.The lack of climate control and automatic windscreen wipers in a flagship model is odd, though.

The brand new 1.4-litre T-GDI Kappa III turbo-petrol makes its local debut to the Kia line-up in the Seltos GT-Line. Delivering ample power and torque, the refined little engine impressed with its eagerness and urge and never sounded stressed or became coarse at higher revs. However, this augmented road noise from the 17” tyres, fitted on attractive crystal-cut alloy wheels.

With 103 kW underfoot and 242 Nm of torque available between 1,500 and 3,200 rpm, the GT-Line gained momentum quickly, making overtaking a breeze – even on inclines. Still, it was not as punchy as expected, most likely due to the smooth, yet somewhat sluggish shifts from the seven-speed dualclutch transmission. This listlessness was understandably more pronounced in Eco-setting.

It did aid consumption, though (we managed around 6.9 l/100 km on the route) but in the sweeping corners on the passes Sport Mode – augmenting tighter steering and much livelier engine responses – was preferable. Running on 60-profile rubber the ride

was firm on tar and maybe a tad too harsh on rutted gravel surfaces but it aided the handling and chassis balance of the small Korean car in more twisty sections, making it quite fun to drive.

SNOW FEVER

We turned off on the Bo-Swaarmoed Road towards the Matroosberg Nature Reserve and 4×4 trail but soon encountered a jam of vehicles on the road. It was clear cabin fever from Covid-19 restrictions led to snow fever, as it seemed half of Cape Town were out there waiting for their turn to go on the trail leading to the snow-bedecked peak.

We preferred not to join the queue, opting to take the gravel road past Die Venster towards Matjies River and from there turn back towards Ceres over the Theronsberg Pass. On the peak of the pass we took a dirt road towards Olkersia (popular in summer for its cherries) and found a trail leading up the foothills ofWatervalberg.

With the Drive Mode Select system incorporating a 2WD Terrain Mode, we selected Mud Mode first and followed the rough trail up the mountain, changing to Snow Mode when the surface became more slippery.The Kia, with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), handled the challenge well, and soon we were in the snowline – surveying the spectacular setting and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

We returned via the spiralling Hex River Pass, watching the glistening white-capped peak of the Matroosberg as it stood sentinel over the valley, before taking the old Du Toitskloof Pass on our way back towards the Mother City.

The GT-Line turned out to be a pleasingly capable companion, and more than up to the “labours” it faced.Yet at R471,995 its price is nudging close to bigger competitors, and in this regard a CRDI model, such as the EX+ Auto at R30k less, makes more sense.