I have a O6 plate VRS mK II. When starting it on some mornings the engine, or starter motor emits an alarming clatter for a split second. Not too fussed as it has always done it. But What is it?

I have also noticed a creaking from the front end which sounds like the bushes are going on the anti roll bars. Why cant VW sort this out? It happened to my mark I VRS at about the same stage, 18-20K.

Apart from that still love the car, but I wish I had bought a red one. Mines blue.

It sounds like a problem I had with a Fiat Bravo I owned may years ago. The fault was to do with something sticking in the starter motor (I sort of remember something about rings but not really sure). I had the starter motor changed on warranty and the problem was fixed. Since your car is still in its warranty maybe it is worth a visit to the dealers to see if they can get it sorted for you.

If it is an FSi then I think its normal for the odd startup to sound like a diesel engine, if that is what it sounds like. I have a normal 1.6 FSi and iasked a similar question to be told it was normal to have some cold atrtups sound a bit diesely for a split second, and there are no indications of it being caused by a problem - no fault codes or trips to the dealer required as yet.