I have a '99 UK spec A3 1.9TDi SE and wondered if anyone knew what the following is:

directly above the rear view mirror there is a plastic flap that can be pulled down for no apparent reason. It's not a blanking plate but has no apparent use. I only noticed it when the wife was driving and I adjusted the mirror for her.

Next time your in your car take a look.

Does anyone know what this is for?

Rod

It keeps the sun out of your eyes, like the visors, but often the sun can sit between the two and still blind you.

isn't the flap ON the mirror :-)

No. If ur SE spec'd its automatic ;->

show off, I went for the sport version. We dont get such luxury, but the seats are nice :-)

I think two things have been mentioned here: on higher-spec cars, there may be an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The plastic flap first mentioned is something else - I always thought it was an extra mini-visor , as Khufu says, to stop the sun sitting above the rear-view mirror and blinding you.

I have the Alcantara leather seats, very sporty looking n sophist ;->

Nice, I'd like to get the door panels done in that if I can get a red to match my seats.