Just noticed today that the centre console gets very warm on my 1.8.
Dunno why I haven't noticed it before, maybe because it's been pretty warm in general today.
Anyway, it seems to be warmest under the handbrake and affects the gearstick gaiter and the driver's side just below the radio.
Is there something wrong, or do they all do it?
cheers,

Nothing of note on my 1.8. Have alook that no wiring is shorting out and causing a warm spot. Something like the handbrake on warning lamp wirirng.

Have you still got your exhaust heat shields on the cat?

Hmm I smell a rat heat sheild? There is one around that area?

Must admit, that's what I thought.
But I haven't had the car that long, so I haven't had a good look underneath yet.
If it's the heat shields, I'll have to put up with it, as the car's really quiet at the moment.
cheers guys,

It'll be your heat sheild missing.

Mine got rattly down there so I removed it, then noticed the heat around the centre console / handbrake area.

I've painted mine using some heat reflective paint - somehow keeps the heat in the exhaust......