when i first turn on the ignition i get a 'squirting' noise coming from the rear of the car somewhere, it lasts about 1 second, then is quiet, so its obviously the fuel going through the pump (or filter?) this only happed when the tank dropped below about 1/4 full.

Filled up yesterday and no noise again.

Anybody know whats happening (i have a good idea, just not SURE), is this common, or a fault?

Fuel pump kicking into life. Nothing to worry about.

I get it on my Fabia Vrs as well, it is a re assuring sound, as I think, " Well the car seems to be ok "

I expect you will find the answer in this thread

It's a much nicer sound than the fuel pump in our rally car which sounds like there is a machine gun in the boot.

Thanks everyone, out of curiosity why does it only do it with 1/4 tank or less of fuel? I thought it was down to gravity - less fuel in tank and the fuel drains back, more fuel in tank & it keeps the pump full??

It's a much nicer sound than the fuel pump in our rally car which sounds like there is a machine gun in the boot.

I know that sound all to well! the beauty of bolting a red top to the bulkhead (even rubber bushed)