My year 2000 Rover 200 IE 1.4 16v has recently started to "judder" when accelerating in first and second gear. My first thought was that the problem was the clutch, but the judders are very quick and there is no revving of the engine.

It feels like the car is losing power and gaining it again in a quick cycle for just 1 or 2 seconds whilst accelerating. Accelerating from 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th gear seems to be OK.

Suggestions on possible causes are much appreciated.