Car getting louder?

Haven't had a chance to get under the car yet but after the last week the car seems to be getting louder, especially at the bottom of the gear when it first changes, at first I thought it was just my imagination but I was listening to it this evening whilst idling and it doesn't sound like the same car, much louder almost like a diesel! Any quick ideas? Surely it can't be the exhaust already? It's a 2011 plate 1.6 petrol with only 20k on the clock and just passed it's MOT with flying colours a few weeks ago! I also noticed quite a strong fumes smell while I was standing outside with it running!? Any ideas would be appreciated

Hi TerryD

TerryD wrote:I also noticed quite a strong fumes smell while I was standing outside with it running!?

Fumes of leaking petrol or leaking exhaust gasses can both be bad and I suggest you don't drive the car until the problem is found.

As for what is causing it, I could only suggest a fuel leak or exhaust leak, but on a 2011, its very odd.