What is this thing, please? And is that normal that there is none on the opposite side of the car? (I.e. there is none next to the right-side exhaust pipe.)



Cheers, and thank you

 

If I remember correctly, that's not a hose outlet. It is the place to screw in the towing eyelet that should be part of the toolkit of the car. If I am correct, you should see the internal thread if you look with a torch.

Best regards,

Thomas

 

Thank you, you are correct again!
Page 196 of the Owner's Manual:

 

The towing loop attachment holes are see-through holes. They are easy to spray it with a solvent such as carburator cleaner, then turn a cheap bottle brush around in them to clean the screw threads - note they are left-handed screws.
More importantly, do this in the front as well, that's YOUR emergency.
Finally, pack the holes with water-proof vaseline (buy a cheap outboard marine tube) and push in a cork or plug. Front lower grille (X358) comes off top first.
You'll thank yourself later.