Off road

Brendan Batty off-road tests the Cub Campers Frontier camper-trailer

Volvo’s mid-size wagon has received an off-road makeover, with the Swedish brand today unveiling the V60 Cross Country.The Scandinavian answer to a Subaru Outback or a VW Golf Alltrack, the V60 Cross Country is no outright bush-basher. Instead, it’s aimed at property owners who might have to tackle some light off-roading in their daily travels. As a result, ground clearance has been raised by up to 75mm, thanks to chassis and suspension tweaks, and power is sent to all four wheels to help navigate slippery surfaces. Other Cross Country kit includes hill-descent control, corner-traction control and a new off-road driving mode."The V60 Cross Country is every bit as refined as the other 60 series cars based on our SPA platform," said Volvo's senior vice-president of research and development, Henrik Green. "The added versatility makes it at home in town and country, thanks to a higher seating position, increased ground clearance and dynamic all-wheel-drive capabilities." The Cross Country arrives with the best of Volvo's safety kit, too, including AEB that recognises pedestrians, cyclists and large animals (the latter of which is less relevant in Australia, where the mighty moose is less of an issue). The semi-autonomous 'Pilot Assist' system is standard fit, along with run-off mitigation and oncoming lane mitigation.While international specification is still being confirmed, the Cross Country will be offered in the UK with the brand's D4 diesel, along with mild hybrid and plug-in versions. 

Brendan Batty road-tests and reviews a 2019 Jayco Swift camper-trailer, an entry-level model for those wanting to kick-start their outdoor adventures.

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