A3 sportback 1.6 automatic - noisy (growly) engine

[Pyro82]

My A3 has a growly engine that I think is getting worse, mostly seems to be whilst in lower gears and worst around 1500 - 2000rpm like when first pulling away. 

Its had engine mounts replaced as they thought it might be the vibrations from one going but no change. Recent service and new engine oil didn't change anything either. 

Its done just over 200k so not a spring chicken and I think it might be just an older engine sounding rougher than it used to but is there any common issues that can cause it that I should check before I continue with just putting music up louder 🤣