Enter Tiffendell, the only ski resort in South Africa, nestled on the 2 720-metre high Ben McDhui mountains.

Tasked with driving from East London to this snow-kissed plain, the Chevrolet made light work of the varying conditions as the terrain evolves from smooth tar to steep, rocky slopes.

Making use of the retuned 2.8-litre diesel powertrain, which boasts a nine percent power increase, up to 144kW, and a meaty 500Nm of torque, the Trailblazer devoured the gravel and bumps.

Equipped with an advanced 4x4 drivetrain, able to switch drive modes at the turn of a dial, the 4x4 Trailblazer models offer two-High, four-High and four-Low modes. It’s a worthy competitor as all our challengers reached the 2.3-hectare ski area unscathed and our average fuel consumption was around 10.6 litres/100km. Not too bad considering the driving conditions.

Born with adventure in its heart and versatility in its design, this Chev features seven seats, good legroom and the luggage space is abundant. Comfortably transporting four adults and their luggage over the 800km journey, all models also feature eleven cup holders, cruise control, multi-function leather-bound steering wheels, multi-info trip computers, four 12V power sockets, side steps and mud flaps.