Two New Models from Vietnam
VinFast, the startup electric car maker from Vietnam, shipped its first batch of midsize VF8 SUVs to the U.S. just before Christmas 2022. Deliveries of the VF8 have just begun, with the large three-row VF9 SUV following later this year. But the company is not letting off the gas: at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this January, VinFast announced two more vehicles – the VF6 and VF7, which will slot under the VF8 in size and price.
The VF6 and VF7 are both five-seat electric crossovers, and flesh out VinFast’s full range of electric vehicles. The compact VF6 will square off against the likes of the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric, while the VF7 is a class up, and will compete against vehicles like the Kia Niro EV.
Stylish, Sophisticated EV Designs
VinFast hired well-known private Italian design firm Torino Design to pen the VF6 and VF7. Based in Turin, Torino Design was established in 2005 by Roberto Piatti, and is not a conventional car design house. Instead, they are focused on future mobility, with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Both the VF6 and VF7 feature VinFast’s distinctive V-shaped front end design, defined by a strong LED light signature on the front and a distinctive window shape on the side. They have sporty proportions and European-looking details on the exterior. And while they feature rugged touches like body cladding and wheel arches, they are clearly targeted at on-road use. The VF6 in particular is targeted at young couples and new families living in urban centers, with its compact exterior dimensions.
Technical Details
Both the VF6 and VF7 will be available with Eco and Plus versions.
The smaller VF6 has a claimed a maximum range on a full charge of 248 mile on the European WLTP testing cycle for the 174-hp Eco version; the Plus version trades some range, dropping to a claimed 237 miles on the WLTP cycle, for more power – 201 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque.
VF7 is slightly larger than the VF6 and has a maximum range on a full charge of 280 miles on the European WLTP cycle for the Eco version, with 201 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque. The VF7 Plus adds a second motor, for standard all-wheel drive, and has a claimed maximum range of 268 miles on the WLTP cycle, with 348 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque.
EPA range estimates for both vehicles aren’t yet available. It’s worth noting that the EPA-rated range estimate for the company’s first VF8 City Edition crossover is a not-very-impressive 179 miles. We would expect the EPA range estimates for the VF6 and VF7 to eclipse 200 miles, though.
VinFast says that both the new models will be equipped with level 2 advanced driver assistance features for all Eco and Plus versions, and modern features such as a virtual assistant, mobile phone integration, and more, though scant details were available at launch.
Spacious Interiors with Modern Tech
Inside, the VF6 and VF7 have a minimalist, practical interior design. We like VinFast’s use of body-colored accents inside the vehicle, which give the interiors a pop of excitement.
Both new VinFast models, like the VF8 and VF9, were developed as EVs from the ground up, and have impressively long wheelbases and very spacious cabins. Their sleek, sloping rooflines disguise a surprising amount of cargo space in the rear as well.
Most information is displayed on a large central touchscreen, supported by a number of physical controls for the most frequently used functions. The touch screen on both VF6 models and the VF7 Eco measures 12.9 inches, while the VF7 Plus upgrades the screen to 15 inches.
Available for Reservation in March
Like the VF8 and VF9, VinFast plans to sell the new models direct using its own brand boutiques and its website. Online reservations for the VF6 and VF7 will open in March, and the vehicles will be produced in the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, Vietnam.
Pricing and potential incentive availability will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
