VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently made headlines by filing a design patent for the VF 3 in India. This small EV SUV, which debuted internationally at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is a testament to the brand's commitment to expanding its global footprint. The filing of the design patent hints at the possibility of the VF 3 being considered for the Indian market, although an official confirmation is yet to come from VinFast.
Design and Dimensions
The VF 3 is a compact SUV that measures approximately 3,190mm in length, 1,679mm in width, and 1,620mm in height. It is slightly larger than the MG Comet EV but smaller than the Tata Tiago EV. The VF 3 boasts a typical upright SUV styling, characterized by a high ground clearance and 16-inch wheels wrapped in high-profile rubber.
At the front, the vehicle features a trapezoidal grille with the brand's elongated logo, which appears to split the LED headlights. The robust black bumpers extend to the rear, giving the wheel arches a flared appearance and merging seamlessly with the chunky rear bumper. The chrome VinFast logo at the back stretches from one tail-lamp to the other, which are triangular LED units.
Performance and Range
While specific details about the battery and powertrain are yet to be disclosed, VinFast claims that the VF 3 can cover approximately 201km on a single charge. This makes it a suitable option for city commutes and short trips.
Interior Features
Inside, the VF 3 is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The vehicle offers seating for four, with rear seats that can fully fold down to provide up to 550 litres of boot space. The interior design includes a layered dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, a climate control system, and vertical, body-coloured side AC vents.
Pricing, Bookings, and Delivery
In Vietnam, the VF 3 is available in two trims - Eco and Plus. However, it is unclear if the same trims will be offered in other markets. VinFast has announced plans to start accepting early reservations soon, with further details on bookings, delivery, pricing, and warranty to be disclosed for each market in the near future.
VinFast's Expansion in India
In a significant move, VinFast has commenced the construction of its integrated EV plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The company has also requested the Indian government to reduce import duties on cars temporarily, allowing it to introduce its models to the country before the local production begins. Although VinFast has not specified which models from its extensive EV lineup will be launched in India, the establishment of the plant indicates a promising future for the brand in the Indian market.
The VinFast VF 3 EV SUV represents an exciting addition to the growing electric vehicle segment in India. With its stylish design, practical features, and promising range, the VF 3 is poised to make a significant impact on the market, furthering the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions.