I want to replace the standard radio and so need to remove the facia panels. The instructions that I found say to " Pull the module underneath the climate control buttons" but this does not work. I have tried pulling, levering from top, bottom, sides etc etc but the unit will not move. Any ideas??

Open the console cubby lid, put your hands in it, gently - but firmly - push up and pull out at the same time. Worked for me, buy your mileage may vary.
The tiny locating dowels may or may not brake upon removing it also.

Open the console cubby lid, put your hands in it, gently - but firmly - push up and pull out at the same time. Worked for me, buy your mileage may vary.
The tiny locating dowels may or may not brake upon removing it also.

Thanks, I tried that but it did not budge. Even reached behind the pocket with one hand and pushed whilst pushing upwards inside the pocket. There is some movement at the bottom but the top does not move at all whilst doing that. I can force the top down about 3mm but once again it will not come out at all.

Silly question, but have you removed the gearshift console trim? If not, you need to remove that first

Silly question, but have you removed the gearshift console trim? If not, you need to remove that first

Sure did, that took all of 1 minute including disconnecting power windows connector. Have spent over 1 hour trying to get this pocket out. Spent some time retrieving a whole stack of coins that had slipped down (been there for years - previous owner). I have read 3 other guides and all say that it should just pop out but the clips are solid. I have actually used quite a bit of force but it does not budge - the top will bow a bit but nothing happens.

Sure did, that took all of 1 minute including disconnecting power windows connector. Have spent over 1 hour trying to get this pocket out. Spent some time retrieving a whole stack of coins that had slipped down (been there for years - previous owner). I have read 3 other guides and all say that it should just pop out but the clips are solid. I have actually used quite a bit of force but it does not budge - the top will bow a bit but nothing happens.

Weird, its definitely only clipped in, as I took mine out on the weekend. I ball a fist, put in inside the cubby hole and make sure its tight fit, pull out and up slightly with a jolt and its out no problem.

Weird, its definitely only clipped in, as I took mine out on the weekend. I ball a fist, put in inside the cubby hole and make sure its tight fit, pull out and up slightly with a jolt and its out no problem.

That certainly doesn't work on my car.

My unit pulls out fairly easily by putting my hands inside and pulling out. There is a bit of force required but never feels like breaking it. Perhaps someone had removed this previously in your car and broke something, and glued it back in?