Exhaust Control System light (2009 vRS CR)

Decided to drive to Spain this year in my vRS instead of hiring the usual Hyundai Getz - felt it would end up cheaper over 3 or 4 weeks.

The day after I arrived the Exhaust Control system light came on.  And despite the hope that it would maybe not come on the next day it did.

Are there any items that can be self checked on this.  The book implies the car will select an emergency programme though so far I've not noticed any difference in the way the car is handling.

Not sure I want to try and locate a local dealer and the subsequent language barrier, though apart from local travel while I am here I'll have a 600 mile trip back in a few weeks.

Thanks all.