I've noticed when cleaning the car that sometimes their appears to be a few black spots on the bumper around the exhaust pipe area. These appear to be soot rather than oil as they dont smear when touched with your finger.

Has anyone any idea as to wether or not this is a sign of trouble on its way or nothing to worry about ?

Car has done 57k now

I drive a derv and that was always normal but i don't know on a petrol car.

What I would say however if fuel contains carbon and you are burning it so you are going to get some little bits of CO2/soot, however how much I don't know.

I get that too - to be honest I've never worried about it.

Never had it on my MKI, but there again I never did short runs.

I get that too - to be honest I've never worried about it.

dito