Don' t they all come from the factory with DRL set to 'on' ? I believe DRL are already a requirement in some countries. My UK-spec '08 came with the lights on as default and I was told it was up to the dealer to turn them off at PDI time. Since my car is silver (not so easy to see in some circumstances) I told the dealer to leave them on. Mind you, its just dipped headlights and taillights - not these tacky light stips that look like something left over from Christmas celebrations on a council estate.

One thing that worries me about the American option of front lights only is this --Picture this scenario -- a driver is merrily driving along before it goes dark, his mind on other things, and could easily be lulled into a false sense of security that "My lights are already on, so I don't need to switch anything else on" This is a sure recipe for disaster if that light switch is ignored, and rear lights are left unlit........ With lights in Scandanavian mode ,this potential problem is totally eliminated, as the car is completely and legally lit for night time use with the light switch either on or off.

Just my opinion.

Hope this helps

Mike

the North America mode only puts front lights on, the other illumination lights within the car car and dashboard illumination do not illuminate so when it is dark you can see you need to turn your lights on as if you didnt have north america lights running. beleive me it was one thing i was concerned about when i first activated it but to tell you the truth it is fail sale imho and in north america mode you using less electrics than scandinavian mode and your bulbs will last longer as its only the front too lit and not all the 4 or 6 bulbs on the back light too.

Does Scandinavian or North America run the main lights at reduced-voltage (DRL) or full voltage as like turning the switch on your self? Also perhaps is there a way to run with sidelights on via VAGCOM or i guess that is not bright enough to be worth while?

James.

Mine's a Company Car, but still has a Colour Coded Grille - it's nothing significant and purely aesthetic, so shouldn't be any worries RE Insurance etc etc - takes 5 mins to swap for an OE one too

Be VERY careful mod'ing a company car without written approval.

Not only could you be breaching the company car policy, but also voiding the firm's insurance. Yes even colouring the grill may void it, as they are very specific usually about zero mods.

You wouldnt want to be explaining to your firm why you cant afford to replace your car if the voided the policy - and it'll be company wide, not just your car!

Don't think it looks chavvy - with a chrome grille surround reckon it would look quite classy...

Does Scandinavian or North America run the main lights at reduced-voltage (DRL) or full voltage as like turning the switch on your self? Also perhaps is there a way to run with sidelights on via VAGCOM or i guess that is not bright enough to be worth while?

James.

i never bother with sidelights they are as useful as a chocolate fireguard. there is away of adjusting the brightness but not for xenons. As my car is going back into skoda this week ive actually taken off DRL as i dont want them using this to void my warrenty.

no option on my maxidot for DRL. skoda only ever turn on scandinavian mode and not north american mode. also they dont like us lot using vag com.

Hasn't anyone considered CCFLs. I fitted some to my Saab 9-3 in the front foglamp housings. In my opinion they give a lovely 'clean' white light without looking spangly and chavy. I sourced mine from neon-lights.co.uk and the 4" units are supposed to be fitted inside PC cases.

I'm shortly going to be ordering another set to fit in the centre groove of the lower front grille just inboard of the front fogs (a bit lower than shown in the pics in this thread).

Once done I'll post pics.

i wouldnt want any lights around the fog area as jobsworth cops will pull you to look and check and many drivers will see you driving towards them with what appears to be fogs on and flash you.