The Avida Explorer LX: could it be any more of a status symbol? I’ m being facetious, of course, but cruising the Mornington Peninsula at the wheel of this beast did make me feel somewhat special.

Based on the medium wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter AWD, the Explorer LX is a beauty. I’ ve contemplated a retirement spent in the goldfields, and this would be the accommodation for me.

The Sprinter is a brilliant base vehicle. It’ s smooth to drive and arguably more manoeuvrable than my personal 4WD. But what does the Explorer LX provide in terms of touring and camping comforts? As I discovered, quite a lot.

REMOTE LIFESTYLE

When you step inside via the nearside sliding door, you’ ll be greeted by a small dining table and two-seater, leatherupholstered lounge up front – it looks very classy. The cab chairs swivel around, of course, to create a dining area for four people.

It’ s worth noting, too, that the Avida Explorer LX can legally carry four passengers: two up front, and two in the rear lounge – two additional seat belts and even a couple of anchor points for baby capsules were provided as options in our review vehicle.

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