From your description possible explanations might include, but are not limited to

(a) Sticktion preventing initial movement of brake pads, which then is overcome by increased hydraulic pressure, producing delayed hard braking.

(b) a small amount of air in the system, which is compressed to the point where brake pad movement happens, and then expands, producing sudden hard braking.

(c) Both

I;d favour (a) as an explanation. This might be fixed by progressive cleaning of your braking system, starting with the sliders the pads move on, then progressing to the caliper pins. Crumpled aluminium foil is a good cleaning medium.

I'd guess the questions about hybrids might imply some regenerative braking involvement, though I didn't think (no experience or detailed knowledge) RG was effective at the slow speeds you describe.

Similarly, peoples insistence on knowing the age of your car might imply the involvement of some new gimmickry and/or known generic fault that I'm not familiar with, otherwise I can't see why it matters.

Check all the brakes - as well as front desc brakes sticking (probably) this could also be the rear drums (presuming it has drums?) as if worn the leading shoes can cause some issues. By the sounds of if a full front/rear wheels off brake service is required - get the brake fluid replaced as well.

[EDIT] To possibly clarify :- The leading shoe is pressed in the same direction as the rotation of the drums, and this rotation helps to press the shoes against the drum with greater pressure for stronger braking force - if drum/shoes are worn this can be a bit "snappy". It's been many a year since I've had to set up drum brakes so my memory is fading a little.

Edited by Big John on 04/09/2020 at 22:45

hey thanks people for the info sorry I didnt get back sooner I lost the link to the page till now
The car is about 12 years old
@Big John @madf @edlithgow @blindspot cheers
Useful info on what the problem might be as was doubting myself over what it was or just my imagination and I'm not a mechanic I'll ask her to ask when next serviced
Thanks again