Timing belt change

[phazer]

....... I think I know the answer to my own question!

In anticipation of the new wonder wet belt in the Frankensporter, VW thought they would match the intervals of the Ford lump.
Even though Ford have now reduced the milage of the belt they swore there was no issues with.

It's not even as complicated as that. For many many years timing belt changes in Europe were at these intervals it's just VAG UK decided they wanted the previous intervals to bolster their service agents income.