One of those questions I've always been meaning to ask but never got 'round to.

The flaps seem common to most, if not all, VAG product; and on the Octavia the front ones only seem to "shield" (if that's what they do) the inside half of the tyre.

They shave off trapped snow when you're reversing, but does anyone know what they are really for?

Some sort of aerodynamics thing I believe?

A mixture of aero and keeping muck/spray down too. They're quite common on other marques too. Saab, as an example.

I've wondered this too. I broke one off due to lows. For reference, they're just over £8 to replace.

areo part, to reduse drag from the looks of it