Mine is being replaced this week. Hopefully plain sailing for the fitter.

Had heated screens in several Fords, yes they have wires but it doesn't bother me and they are very effective, even good for motorway driving in the cold when the inside heater cannot keep the outside glass warm. One of the reasons for an Octavia TBH. 

 

Had a VW with the film heater, no wires but about a third as effective. Ford group cars screens are very good (they've been at it a while) but the Octy is just as good.

 

One point though, aftermarket screens for the Ford are nowhere near as good as the factory ones. Only factory ones around for the Skoda at the moment but it won't be long. Still got an aftermarket one fitted by Autoglass in one machine and it is pants.

If it's a £400 option and you still have to demist the side windows and warm the car up before it heats the cabin then it seems to be that you'd be better off having a pre-heater fitted.

That way the engine is warm, so less wear (Fuel saved will cancel fuel burned approx)

The heater will fire hot air out straight away, so clearing all windows and leaving car clear.

 

Yes you'll have to brush off snow or scrape thick ice, but as pointed out you always have to do your side windows.

 

We had a ford in the family with it and it was excellent, however I just think the cost is high.

If the £400 included the cabin pre-heater that'd be different.

A heated windscreen will also save the screen from scratches because of less need to scrape. So that alone makes it worth it imo.

I find more often than not its just the windscreen that frosts up, not the side the windows. Also it's great for desmisting on those cold none frosty days.

A pre-heater is OTT in almost all parts of the UK, in my view.

 

The heated windscreen is a good option, but I do see that the cost has increased since I specced it on the Yeti at the start of last year. Cost should be coming down for this sort of tech if anything, so seems like SUK's margin has gone up!