My 2001 octavia 1.9tdi 110 has developed an oil leak from what looks like the air intake above the driver side front wheel. The car has done 200k but apart from this leak, is in great shape.

Is there an air intake above the drivers wheel, I thought that was on the passenger side. (I am of course assuming you are driving a right hand drive car here).

IIRC the intercooler is on the drivers side, and you could get a build up of oily gunk in there from the fact that the EGR system exists and will be venting dirty exhaust gases into the system.

SUre somebody more knowledgable will be around soon enough

What is the EGR and could this be the problem with the oil leaking from the engine

The EGR is Exhaust Gas Recycler and It sends a small portion of exhaust gas back into the engine to reduce NOx Emissions.

The stuff that leaks from this won't be oil as such, but nasty gunk that is a combination of exhaust muck and other things.

How much oil is leaking and can you get a picture of the leaking area which may help somebody with more knowledge of the engine diagnose it.