Hi David, I would say that there is a knack to opening the bonnet catches. When I was been shown around the car, my dealer
opened the bonnet easily, quickly and without effort.
When I had a go, I could not do it. I still I have to think about what I am doing when I open use the catches to open the bonnet.
Best to open the forward bonnet catch first, then the rear.
To open the bonnet catch, fingers under the bonnet gap, palm of hand on catch knob, and with a downward squeezing motion the catch knob should move down. When the catch knob moves down move whilst still gripping, your hand backwards out and front of the bonnet should be free. Do the same for the rear catch. After years of practice you should be able to do both at the same time! I am not there yet. Once open give a quick lube to make it easier. Good luck.
