Is there any way to tell this?

 

The VCDS box for heated front window is unticked but I do have a "defrost" button above the rear defrost which only makes the fan blow in the windscreen. (maybe I'm wrong?)

The button you describe is just to blow warm are on the screen.

 

There is no factory fitted heated screen for the MK2 Octavia so you're very unlikely to have one

Okay - thanks!

 

Even so, how can you tell when someone has a heated windscreen. I would assume it does not have the black stripes a rear window would have..

You should be able to see some very fine wires in the screen. Depending on the screen they might be very hard to see:

 

Thank you!

 

I may have to change my windscreen next year before MOT. Would it be possible to buy a heated one and enable it through vcds?

Skoda don't make a heated screen for the MK2 Octavia so there is no OEM option or VAG part number that'll fit.

 

However, a Russian glass company called KMK Glass does make an aftermarket heated screen:

- http://kmk.nnov.ru/90742/

- http://well-car.ru/products/KMK+GLASS/7810AGNBLHV

- http://well-car.ru/products/KMK+GLASS/7810AGNBLHPV.html

 

You would need to make your own wiring loom and find an appropriate button to turn it on/off. KMK suggest the following:

 

Wow - thanks for taking the time for this! Unless you live in a really cold climate I don't think its worth going through all the trouble.