YET another new model is one the way from Volvo as the Swedish company continues its product-led revival under Chinese owners Geely.

The latest combatant in the company's continuing assault on the premium segment of the market is heading for the woods and hills with a fair bit of luxury and civility built in.

The new Cross Country version of the V60 mid-size estate has up to 75mm more ground clearance than the regular V60, thanks to a specially developed chassis and suspension that enhance the car's off-road capability.

That, in itself, should guarantee some light off-road fun, but with all-wheel drive as standard along with hill descent control, electronic stability control, corner traction control and a special off-road driving mode, the V60 Cross Country should be a more than capable mud-plugger.

According to Hakan Samuelsson, Volvo's president and chief executive: "We invented the Cross Country segment over 20 years ago and with this car we reinforce our long-standing pedigree in safe, capable and versatile family cars."

Volvo's award-winning city safety system with autobrake is fitted as standard and assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions. It is the only system on the market to help recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.

Other fitted as standard driving aids include a pilot assist system which supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80mph, run-off road mitigation, oncoming lane mitigation and other steering assistance systems. A cross traffic alert system with autobrake is available as an option.

There's no indication as to when it will be available in the UK as yet, but when it arrives, the new V60 Cross Country will be available with a diesel engine with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants promised at a later stage. Full pricing and specification details will be announced in due course, says the company.