update later this week. VW specialist ordered new cat from germany and before fitting it will obvs insect old one to get to the bottom of why orig cat started breaking up, will look to fix anything in relation to that - will also do paint gauge checks etc to check for any poss accident. as for steering wheel, no idea, could be a preference for non flat bottom version. car isn't an import. current wheel is working fine though and all connections to steering wheel column electrics etc is working fine. once I have more up to date info later this week will post.