What Car? Q&A - What car is best for speed bumps?

Q: I'm due to replace my Jaguar S-type. The problem is, my commute requires me to negotiate 44 speed bumps a day. I drive slowly over them, but every 10,000 miles I have to replace a combination of suspension components, driveshafts and wheel bearings due to the damage caused by the bumps.

This usually costs around £1500. Are there cars that would handle these conditions better? I was thinking a 4x4 might be the answer, but I live in London and want something smaller because of the new parking charges that are soon to be introduced.
Scott Kerr

A: Cars designed to go off-road will usually have more robust suspension systems than the average road car, such as your S-type. In most cases this means a large 4x4, but smaller options are available.

The Audi Allroad, Volvo XC70 and Subaru Legacy Outback are estate-sized four-wheel-drive cars, but they emit more carbon dioxide than some larger 4x4s such as the Land Rover Freelander 2.2 Td4 - carbon dioxide emissions are the criteria for the revised parking permit charges in selected London boroughs.

You could try reducing your speed further and, if possible, find an alternative route to work with fewer speed bumps.