Reality bites hard!

Doesn't look much, but that speedhump is one of the key reasons the Panda 100HP (106HP) cannot stay with me. I've never had a (regular, non-specialty) car that's as bad over them as this, and I've driven some pretty firm cars!

The Panda 100HP faces its arch-nemesis

It's a real shame, because out on the road the ride is suprisingly acceptable, by comparison. No, it's not smooth or comfy, but neither is it as bad as you'd expect it to be. It has very short-travel suspension, yet they've cleverly engineered it so that in 90% of scenarios, that isn't actually a problem (the joys of small, lightweight cars!)

I've previously owned an MG ZS 180 and a Nissan Primera eGT (P10) and both of those were worse in everyday use than this is, along with my SAAB 9-3 saloon which, though not as stiff as any of these, rode similarly to the Panda yet was a poor handler than the 407SW that replaced it, let alone anything as decent around the twisties as a ZS or Primera GT.

TL;DR - if you find a SAAB 9-3, MG ZS or Primera GT acceptable on the bumps, you'd be fine with one of these!

But, for me? The speedbumps are a serious issue. My unit is located in a shockingly-paved estate, and having to slow down to a crawl every time I arrive or leave is a deal-breaker. I'm getting to the point I'm slowing down the OAP in the Kia behind on their way to the jazz shop.

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't considered hiring a jack-hammer and getting rid of the speedbumps round here

Otherwise, it's a really likable little thing. The steering's a bit 'meh', but the grip is good (unless it's wet - ironic given it's wearing 'all season' tyres, which personally I've noticed absolutely no advantage with). The engine sips fuel, it fizzes along with 106.1bhp, the gearchange is good fun and the ratios well-stacked to suit the characteristics of the engine; the heater is fierce and it's a tiny, tiny car - easy to thread through gaps only motorbikes normally go for.

I'm actually calming down in it now, too, but the speedbumps aren't getting any flatter so on the 31st January, it'll become somebody else's Panda 100HP!