I have a Greenline 1 1.4 TDI. It has the plastic engine cover held in by rubber grommets.

One of the grommets is missing leaving the whole thing a bit floppy. Its under warranty so I could just get the garage to replace the missing grommet but I am just as happy to remove the whole thing. Is it purely aesthetic ? Personally I like to see the engine and periodically see if anythings loose or leaking.

OK to simply remove it ?

I have been without the engine cover on my MK1 fabia for oooo about 100k.

I've not missed it TBH. That said I have no idea whether that has been to the detriment of the engine or not.

its like a jacket

its like a jacket

A necessary jacket or a nice to look at jacket ?

its primarly sound deadening.

its primarly sound deadening.

I rather like the tractor rattle so will take it off and see how it goes.

A necessary jacket or a nice to look at jacket ?

its not 100% necessary but it will protect your engine components a little bit, and it will keep your engine warmer slightly, and the warmer it gets the more efficient it is

All covers (so i have been told over the years) act as sound deadening and to keep a little muck off the engine. I dont believe they offer any other benefit other than looking nice in cases..