Anyone know firstly if there any any advantages/disadvantages with these? Are they meant for countries with hotter climates?
Most people don't know about. There is much missleading information on all the forums.
The truth is:
VW developed the open fog grills for the very vew "hot countries" GTIs which come with
a 2nd water radiator on the passenger side (driver side on LHD of course). If you don't
retrofit this cooler there's no sense in these open grilles. Some A3 TFSI, A3 3.2, S3, R32
and Mk.VI R DSG also come with that 2nd radiator (and open fog grille).
Keep in mind only one side is open (where the 2nd radiator sits). The other side is just
fake to give a symmetric appearence.
Where? At the stealer of course.