Has anyone removed the spark plugs on a 1.2 tsi engine? At first glance it looks difficult with perforated metal caps (do they pull off) and the spark plug no. 4 is very near to a curved metal cowling. It seems to me that VW do not want Joe public to service their engines.

Edward

I removed my spark plugs from my Fabia 1.2 TSI last September.  You need to pull the spark plug leads off (I used a lead puller that I have) and (I think) undo the metal heatshield from over the plugs.  Don't pull on the plug leads though.  Then undo the plugs using a ratchet spanner with an extension on it.  Agree it is awkward but with care you can do it.  Just be careful.