Cold temp mpg

[richardfrost]

but I think it is only to direct air

Seems most likely. Nearly all cars with air con have this feature these days. I think Ford have a patent on the heated windscreen. Unlike Volvo, who developed the 3 point seat belt as a safety feature and promptly gave away the rights to the patent, Ford probably see this as a convenience feature and use it as a marketing point.

[John Ratsey]

I suspect, as in my previous comment, it will all be left to the engine as this is the simplest solution.

It's a simple solution when the engine is hot but if that means that the engine keeps running only to provide hot air for the windscreen then there will be a load of disgruntled owners as they see the mpg plummet. Honda have spent money addressing other details so why not this one? What I do know is that the previous generation of Jazz / HR-V was very good, albeit noisy, at demisting the windscreen even when the engine was cold so, I hope, Honda has figured out an effective way of demisting the windsceen that's compatible with the way the hybrid system operates. I just had thought of going out, start the car, press the demist button and see if hot air is blown out. However, that might have been a fair test a few hours ago, but it's now 14C warmer outside.

[Muldoon]

but I think it is only to direct air

Seems most likely. Nearly all cars with air con have this feature these days. I think Ford have a patent on the heated windscreen. Unlike Volvo, who developed the 3 point seat belt as a safety feature and promptly gave away the rights to the patent, Ford probably see this as a convenience feature and use it as a marketing point.

Yes I think the patent may be open access? Vauxhall have been fitting them for years to Astra and Corsa, also MINI plus a few more. I would have thought it ideal for the Jazz.

[JazzMusic]

One additional note on the seat heating feature. 3 bars is pretty hot. You might start with it but 1 bar is perfect. As soon as the heat is stored between the back and the seat it's not needed anymore.
I know I'll love the steering wheel heater during winter. Really nice feature.