As its nigh impossible to tell the source of the noise from the video it might be wise to have someone else start the car whilst you listen with the bonnet up. It might give you a clue as to location or at least clarify whether the sound emanates from the engine or perhaps some piece of wizardry behind the instrument cluster. Other than that then clearly a dealer job - think yourself lucky it's not intermittent - the typical 'it doesn't do when the technician is in the car' Been there!

I had a similar noise, many years ago, on a car were the starter motor didn't disengage properly on start up.

Back then it was just a case of take off the starter and clean up the pinion with WD40 or similar.

These days you probably need a computer....

Thank bilun77, I wondered if it sounded something like that. Annoying (in some ways) it only does it when starting from cold. As such I can't demonstrate it to a dealer without leaving it overnight with them. Have emailed my local dealer with the same link, hopefully they will come back with their thoughts on it. If it wasn't under warranty I'd look at pulling the motor off and having a look myself.

As its nigh impossible to tell the source of the noise from the video it might be wise to have someone else start the car whilst you listen with the bonnet up. It might give you a clue as to location or at least clarify whether the sound emanates from the engine or perhaps some piece of wizardry behind the instrument cluster. Other than that then clearly a dealer job - think yourself lucky it's not intermittent - the typical 'it doesn't do when the technician is in the car' Been there!

I'll probably get the missus to start it tomorrow with my ear as close to the starter as possible. Assuming its not tucked round the back :S .

Erm, anyone get the whine noise on startup?

The vacuum from manifold is not strong enough for the brake servo system I am told so they put a 'vac' pump on and if it is only for a few seconds at first start up it could be the pump getting up to negative pressure level.

Wow ,that's a good thread revival.

I actually own a 1.8 now and Yes it does make that sound on start up from cold (Though not as loud.)

I have an Octavia with this engine and it has always made a slight wine on a cold start up, nothing to worry about in my opinion, just a characteristic of the engine and goes after a second or so. Interesting diagnosis though.