bossjohnc

ESP was a standard feature on LHD models. I'm not sure on the Minidisc, although I know jap models came with MD as standard as it was the norm over there.

Seriously - it's just a bank of switches, anything could go there. A full bank of switches might consist of what you have, plus an 'open air' switch. The GTI wasn't available with open air (big fabric sunroof) so I can't think that you'd ever see a GTI with a full bank. *edit - on a continental GTI you'd have an ESP off switch there too, so a full bank as standard is possible.

A button that sets the side airbags off.

I think most of these things require the car to be clean before you... erm, clean it. I wouldn't touch them. Carnauba is used in good wax, although 100% carnauba is like concrete. Generally it's mixed with something like beeswax.

That's what I think too. I know if I'd done 200 miles in that Arosa, the tyres would have been in shreds. This is clearly what's happened, but it's odd that you didn't notice. Fuel consumption and power would have been down - it certainly wouldn't have felt right, and there probably would have been some noise coming from the tyres imo.

HID Xenons are exempt - halfords do a handy box of the others. One thing to note is that UK GTI xenons point the wrong way.. you can't adjust them and you're not allowed to use tape to deflect the beam on HIDs. Your only two options are to swap them for continental units, or just not bother. I'd suggest the latter, but better forewarned.

Left hookers started life with a shelf, only with the production of the GTI (2001 onward) were modifications to the original spec made. These included a glove box for the LHD, but I can only assume that as the parts are unique to the lupo the RHD was left out to save costs. Climatronic, MCD sat nav and BBS wheels were all options on German Lupos, but weren't available in other countries. There are, however, a few UK GTIs with these but they're freaks of nature as those items were never in any catalogue or on any spec sheet for UK Lupos.

This is being dealt with by other means now, no need for the thread to stay open. (John, click the thing that says "1 Active Reports" at the top of the page )

erm, lol - there you go

PM a mod (i.e. me, or anyone else with a red name) and we'll change it for you.

I'd suggest taking it to a tyre fitter for some new rubber and balancing/alignment!

I drove an Arosa once that had just had GTI suspension fitted - the alignment was so far out that driving it resulted in tyre squeal as the fronts were driving slightly against each other. What's the other side like?

If over inflation caused an almost brand new tyre to do that in two weeks, I'll eat my hat. I doubt the flat spots were heavy braking either as the loop has ABS, this shouldn't happen. Was there some kind of grinding/scraping noise as you drove along? All I can say is... what the hell?!

Really pleased for you all guys - can't wait to hear how these run.

It does hold up well. Searching for ' Lupo +"crash test" ' brings up a few more (as well as the one you posted).

I've not seen that before

Erm.. no.. not at all - as you own a Lupo I can only imagine you know what the door cards look like. The ones in a Polo cover the entire door, and are a totally different shape and size.

Well anyway, you've got your answer. If you're caught with it you could be in trouble. This is more likely to happen than with most things as it has a clearly identifiable (even remotely) mark (IMEI). It belongs to the insurance company, and they should be informed about it - if anything it may help keep your friend's premium down next year. You could send it to Mazuma et al, however if they have any scruples they may check it out and a worst case scenario might see you and your mate landed in trouble for insurance fraud. Personally, I'd let the insurance company know. Now, I'm going to close this because you have your answer and other people might want to call you nasty names.

Yeah anyway, as above. There's a gold medal in the post for you racing and beating your mate, innit. Here's a padlock for you in the meantime.

Performance and economy can vary for a lot of reasons. Mileage, history, how long ago the car had a good service, tyre pressure, fuel, etc etc, and of course, the driver.

I'd never usually get that kind of mileage out of a tank, it's not too hard if you're careful though.

I'll just add that from 'full' I've got 420 miles so far from my current tank. Light came on at 401. When all's said and done it's around 46-47mpg. I'm looking forward to filling up again and putting my foot down a bit this time!

I've found out on more than one occasion, that if you intend to 'make progress' with two large Caramel Coffee Frappucinos (with cream) in the cupholders, then make sure they're firmly seated otherwise it can get very messy.

I can't say Egypt, as underwater I think it's one of the best places in the world. I'd say Sainsburys on a Saturday, that resembles hell on earth.

Just seen this, all seems familiar. Apparently it's pretty easy to damage the alternator when doing a belt change. Mine was giving an output of almost 17v at idle.