Volvo V60 Review: A Cinnamon Bun Run To Gothenburg

Car Review: Volvo V60

Jeremy: How many cinnamon buns can you fit in the back of a Volvo V60 estate? Roughly 2,650 with the rear seats folded down – or up to 6,500 if the entire cabin is packed to the roof. I didn’t attempt either, although if somebody wants to offer a lifetime’s supply of my favourite snack, do get in touch.

Sunday is National Cinnamon Bun Day in Sweden, where this Nordic treat is a traditional favourite. The Swedes love a cake and, in terms of buns per square metre, they come off better than us Brits. Apparently, we can only squeeze 2,200 English scones in the boot – without the jam and clotted cream, of course.

You could argue that it all depends on the size of the bun – and in Gothenburg’s olde-worlde Haga district, they offer tourists the biggest buns on the planet. A Volvo with a trailer might be more appropriate. Bring a doggie bag too.

Cinnamon Bun Day dates to 1999 and was created by the Hembakningsrådet, or Home Baking Council. People across Scandinavia will eat millions of buns on Sunday. In London, try Fabrique or Bageriet, both in Covent Garden. Yum.

However, purely in the interest of research, I travelled to Gothenburg in a luxurious V60 to marvel at the Swedish spice fetish first hand. Cinnamon is deeply tied to the country’s cultural ritual of fika – a daily coffee and social break – and symbolises home, comfort and togetherness.

And you could say the same of the Volvo family. Starting at around £45,000, the V60 offers proper estate car practicality, perfect for families and gloriously comfortable transport, especially on a long-distance motorway haul.

Unlike the sporty BMW 3 Series Touring, the V60 is set up for a softer ride. Not so good for handling on a twisty country road but otherwise a very impressive cruiser. Our top-spec, all-wheel-drive T6 is slightly more potent and boasts mild-hybrid technology that charges a small battery pack as the car moves.

It would be a crying shame to spoil the plush leather seats with sugary stickiness, especially if you choose the optional tailored wool blend or softer Nappa leather upgrades.

Our destination in Gothenburg is Jacy’z Hotel, a sort of all-in-one entertainment hub for trendy types. The Gårda district is a short distance from the city centre but, for some, Jacy’z will have everything they need for a weekend break – including copious cinnamon buns, of course.

In a 27-storey tower block, the best hangouts are at the top. Gogogaga is an Asian ‘sky bar’ with fantastic views and food. On the ground floor, juicy burgers and bar bites are available. Only breakfast at Archie’s was a disappointment – too many people, not enough space.

There’s plenty to keep guests entertained if Gothenburg’s notorious weather turns sour. Swing out on an indoor golf simulator, crack a few smashes on the ping-pong tables, or just relax in the Pachanga pool club and spa. Cinnamon bun optional.

Jessica: Considering the Scandinavian passion for buns, they are remarkably healthy people. The cinnamon version shaped like a snail was created about 100 years ago – sugar, butter, flour and spices in the perfect combination.

Home baking took off in Sweden during the 1950s, when cheaper consumables started to flow into the country after the Second World War. Personally, I’m more interested in the fika tradition of coffee, which the Swedes also seem to have mastered – there are coffee houses everywhere.

And while most cars have a coffee cup-holder these days, perhaps it’s time for Volvo to consider a cake space too? It seems to make perfect sense for a country obsessed with wonderful buns…

Discover more about the Volvo V60 at volvocars.com

Dr Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is director of programmes at London College of Fashion, with a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.