The design is awful, spent a whole day changing one strut. Boo :(

How so?

If it was the drivers side it's more awkward but that's about it.

Yeah drivers side. Couldn't spread the hub far enough with the spreader to release the shock. Putting it back in was even worse

The driveshaft hits the subframe so it only pushes down so far on the drivers side. The other side is easier. As for spreading the hub, buy a splitter or make one.

I got an 8mm Allen key and flattend off each side, slot it in, twist and it opens right up no problem.

Good luck!

All done now, but yeah did run into the driveshaft issue. I was using a spreader but it isn't a great design, wouldn't use it again. Thanks for the advice though

I found the Laser Tools spreader works well - well as long as you remember to remove it before tightening the hub clamping bolt! Prior to buying that I used screwdriver bits and broke a few and wasted a lot of time. I too took far too long replacing my first front spring, everything was rusted up - not good, and that was when the car, Polo 9N, was only 4 or 5 years old!