What octane level are you running? Too low and it can cause pinging and subsequently the knock sensor will tested the timing. However you wouldn’t expect this to happen at idle, I know.
What happens if you disconnect the knock sensor, besides throwing a fault code? What us the effect, good or bad, of the disconnected knock sensor?

"....one thing I did notice when I was checking the timing with my timing light I could see the the base setting of 12 degrees goes to a retarded figure of about 5-10 degrees then once the engine has recovered then the timing advances ahead"

I have ZERO experience with turbo gasoline, but retarding the timing would cause the gases to burn in the exhaust manifold which then spools the turbo up faster, then when the boost comes up, the timing would return to normal.

Having never seen a 230FT, I don't know if you even have a distributor doing the timing or a computer doing the timing.

Unfortunately I don't have a solution for you, but I am experiencing the same problem. I don't have a timing light but I'm almost certain its a timing issue. Engine doesn't hesitate or stumble, just has almost zero power leaving a stoplight. This is only an issue for me when its warmed up, cold engine no issue. With the gas pedal in the same position, you can slowly feel the engine create more power as the timing is advanced (if my theory is correct). 5 seconds or so after leaving the stoplight its back to normal.

Interestingly, my car is a na regina. That leaves the knock sensor, tps, and coolant sensor as the only common items between them. Maybe there is a clue there??

Are you checking this timing driving or just reving it up?
My boost gauge shows I don't get in to boost just reving.
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