My father has a brand new Octy 1.6CR Elegance. This afternoon he's gone out to the garage and it won't start. The dash lights come on but it won't turn over - a message saying "clutch" appears on the dash.

I told him to try and start the car with the clutch peddle down - I asked him if usually he starts the car with the peddle down (I always do). He said he never has the clutch down but I'm not so sure....... :p

When he tried this the car starts no bother.

I'm just wondering if this is a feature or a fault? :S

Cheers!

This is a feature. All new VAG cars have this now.

I challenge you to depress the clutch pedal on a car with a DSG gearbox.

All manual VAG cars now require the clutch pedal to pressed before they will start, its to reduce the forces needed to start the engine as with the gearbox disengaged the engine will start better.

I have always started pressing the clutch pedal anyway.

It’s to stop your forgetful Dad from leaving it in gear kangarooing the car through the garage wall, across the garden into the kitchen and pinning your poor mother against the fridge.

Thanks very much folks.

I had a feeling it was.

It’s to stop your forgetful Dad from leaving it in gear kangarooing the car through the garage wall, across the garden into the kitchen and pinning your poor mother against the fridge.

Bugger, that's another idea for Midsomer Murders out the window...