a molded plastic panel according to the invention has an integrated , localized elastomeric plastic pad or flexible - foam pad positioned between an aesthetic cover sheet such as vinyl and a rigid , structural plastic substrate . the cover material is sufficiently flexible to yield readily under the weight of a human hand , permitting a person to feel the soft pad underneath . on the other hand , the pad is resilient , but not so resilient that it pushes out against the cover material , forming an unsightly bulge that traces the outline of the pad . the present invention achieves both of these features , particularly in combination with a reaction injection - molded plastic substrate .