Perculiar Cold Weather Starting Problem

[AlanH]

Hi Guys,
Been having a most strange problem with my little Saxo.
Just in case it's relevant it's a 2001 1.4 VTS Petrol.
What makes it odd is that it only occurs when it's proper cold, near 0 C and colder. Any warmer than that and it starts first time and runs perfectly.
When it's cold, however, I get the same thing every time.
First, when turning the key the starter catches and I can feel the engine trying to get moving. This usually causes all the console lights to dim as the battery is pushing hard. Most of the time I have to reset the clock afterwards 'cos the drain is so much.
Anyhoo, after a couple of seconds of this I turn the key back, wait a couple of seconds and try again, and it works!, second time - every time! And once it's started I can drive off without any problems, even if I do a short drive of a hundred meters it will restart no problem.

Apart from this it's a little beaut and great fun to drive but for those few sub zero days of the year this little glitch shows it's face.

Any thoughts? I suspected the battery or starter motor but since it works so well the rest of the year I just don't know where to start looking.

Cheers,

Alan