Cars with heated front windscreen

Gwynston

Have grown used to the heated front windscreens in a series of Fords we've owned, but currently our 2nd car is a 2011 Golf, that we've had for 6 years - every single year of which my wife has complained about the lack of a heated windscreen :rolleyes:
So we're in the market for a new 2nd car (162 or 171).

I'm not really interested in debating the pros and cons of heated windscreens - it is an absolute requirement!
And while Ford's patent lapsing has meant they're slowly filtering into other brands, they're still few and far between on most Golf-size cars or small SUVs.

So what else is available with them, even as an option? I know of the following:

• Pretty much all Fords as standard
• Optional extra-cost add-on with many VAG cars
• Included in optional Winter Pack with some Volvos
• Available on some Land Rovers
• Thought I'd seen mention of them in some Mazda reviews, but can't find any evidence here
• Possibly available on the very top of the range Qashqai

Any others?
Really struggling to find small/medium family cars outside of Ford with them. Even if VAG offer them, trying to find a used example with one is impossible.

And I'd rather not have to import from the UK - the thought of trying sell our Golf privately makes me break out in a cold sweat... :eek:

Widdensushi

Does it stay on in the cars you have, I thought it was a great job in my volvo till I went on a longer journey and realised that it was turning itself off after a certain period of time driving.

Gwynston

The Ford ones turn off after a few of minutes, but they've done the job by then.
Why would they need to stay on any longer?

I think they use quite a lot of power (way more than the rear heated window, with only a few lines), so you wouldn't want them to stay on.

Widdensushi

Gwynston wrote: »

The Ford ones turn off after a few of minutes, but they've done the job by then.
Why would they need to stay on any longer?

I think they use quite a lot of power (way more than the rear heated window, with only a few lines), so you wouldn't want them to stay on.

In heavy rain I found it a better way to keep the windscreen clear and use the air just to keep the temperature in the car comfortable, either way I agree that it is a nice option to have in a car.

colm_mcm

Minis and BMWs have them as an option AFAIK.

Philb76

Remember our fords headlights used to dim wen u turned it on was handy though turned itself off i thought any car with climate control has it

GustavoFring

If it's any help the Skoda ones are easy to spot - the centre climate control knob has a blank upper piece when they're isn't one installed, there are two buttons on it when it is.

Deadly option to have imo for a daily.

Henry Ford III

Agreed. A great feature in the cold months.

Shefwedfan

I have 141 Galaxy, UK import so I would guess it has it. Never knew, does it turn on auto or what does button look like?

mloc123

VW/Audi/Skoda all have it as an option also...

Esel

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I have 141 Galaxy, UK import so I would guess it has it. Never knew, does it turn on auto or what does button look like?

Should be beside the rear demister switch.

colm_mcm

You’ll see the wires once you go looking, then once you’ve seen them you can’t unsee them and they’ll drive you mad for a while.

chicorytip

All Opel Models from 151 onwards - except Karl/Adam - have them fitted as standard.

Esel

I didn't know it was patented by Ford.

colm_mcm

Yeah the patent ran out a few years ago, but companies that Ford were involved with (Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover etc) would have had them at the time. Don’t know long the patent lasted for but they came out over 30 years ago.

DaveyDave

colm_mcm wrote: »

You’ll see the wires once you go looking, then once you’ve seen them you can’t unsee them and they’ll drive you mad for a while.

I thought there was another version that you can't see the wires?

Kamili

I don't mind them at all, you kinda look through them, not at them...

Gwynston

chicorytip wrote: »

All Opel Models from 151 onwards - except Karl/Adam - have them fitted as standard.

Really?
Would possibly consider the latest model Astra if it had one, but could only find info on Corsa and Insignia having them.

GustavoFring

DaveyDave wrote: »

I thought there was another version that you can't see the wires?

My last octy had the wires. The superb has a film on the outside of the screen, gives a rainbow effect to the screen from the outside at certain angles.

denismc

Out of curiosity what happens if you have to replace the windscreen?
Can the regular windscreen fitters do this or does it have to go to a main dealer?

bazz26

I've had heated windscreens replaced by windscreen companies no problem before. However they may not have them in stock so had to order it in, might not be case these days though.

Philb76

denismc wrote: »

Out of curiosity what happens if you have to replace the windscreen?
Can the regular windscreen fitters do this or does it have to go to a main dealer?

We had to have the windscreen replaced stone hit it insurance company sent out the mobile guy to the house he asked does it have a heated windscreen was no problem

hooch-85

bazz26 wrote: »

I've had heated windscreens replaced by windscreen companies no problem before. However they may not have them in stock so had to order it in, might not be case these days though.

I'm waiting on one for my Fiesta, over two weeks now but they ordered the wrong one the first time so that didn't help

Gonad

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I have 141 Galaxy, UK import so I would guess it has it. Never knew, does it turn on auto or what does button look like?

Yes my galaxy is 132 and has it 2 buttons above and left of radio

One for front sundown and the other button is for back