VinFast India's new factory will officially open on July 31st
VinFast, the Vietnamese automotive company, is gearing up to enter the Indian market with its new electric SUV models, the VF6 and VF7. These vehicles are designed to compete with established players like the Hyundai Creta Electric, BYD Atto 3, and Tata Harrier EV.
VinFast VF6: A City-Friendly Electric SUV
The VinFast VF6 is a compact electric SUV with a coupe-like design, measuring 4,238 mm in length and 1,594 mm in height. Ideal for city use, the VF6 offers a competitive range of approximately 400 km, thanks to its 59.6 kWh battery.
The VF6 comes in two variants: Eco and Plus. The Eco variant boasts 178 bhp and 250 Nm torque, while the Plus variant offers slightly higher output but a lower range of around 381-410 km depending on the market. Both models support Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC fast charging, allowing for a 20-80% charge in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.
Inside, the VF6 features a dual-tone vegan leather interior, a 12.9-inch touchscreen with over-the-air (OTA) updates, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof on higher trims, a head-up display, and eight-way power-adjustable seats. Safety features include Level 2 ADAS, adaptive cruise, lane centering, blind-spot detection, automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist, and airbags.
Pricing for the VF6 in India is estimated to range from ₹18 lakh to ₹24 lakh.
VinFast VF7: A Mid-Size Contender
The VinFast VF7 is a larger SUV, positioned in the C-segment market. Measuring 4,545 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,636 mm in height, the VF7 offers more space and power than the VF6.
The VF7 comes in two variants: Eco and Plus. The Eco variant features a front motor, 177 PS (174 hp), 250 Nm torque, and a 59.6 kWh battery, offering a range of approximately 430 km. The Plus variant offers a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, 354 PS (349 hp), 500 Nm torque, and a 70.8 kWh battery, providing a range of close to 471 km. The VF7 boasts impressive performance, with the Eco variant accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 10 seconds, and the Plus variant achieving this in just 5.8 seconds.
In terms of interior and technology, the VF7 offers a premium cabin, large touchscreen, wireless charging, a panoramic glass roof, and Level 2 ADAS. Exterior features include signature LED lighting.
Pricing for the VF7 in India is estimated to be around ₹30-35 lakh.
Competitive Advantage
Both the VinFast VF6 and VF7 offer feature-rich cabins, modern ADAS, fast charging, and attractive pricing that undercuts some established rivals while offering competitive range and performance. This makes them strong contenders in the Indian and Southeast Asian electric SUV markets.
Pre-bookings for the VinFast VF6 and VF7 are now open in India for a token of ₹21,000. VinFast is expanding its operations in India with 32 dealerships across 27 cities. The company's plant, located at the Tamil Nadu Industrial Promotion Corporation (SIPCOT) industrial park, covers a 400-acre site.
The VinFast VF6 and VF7 were tested at the company's test track in Vietnam earlier this year. VinFast broke ground for a new plant in Thoothukudi, India, in April 2024. The new plant is expected to cater to the domestic market and export products to multiple markets overseas, including South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
In conclusion, the VinFast VF6 and VF7 are poised to make a significant impact in the Indian electric SUV market, offering modern electric options with versatile trims and solid specifications.
The VinFast VF6 and VF7, with their feature-rich cabins and modern ADAS, are set to challenge established players in the Indian electric SUV market, providing competitive range, performance, and pricing.
Pre-bookings for the VinFast VF6 and VF7 are open in India, with the company planning to establish 32 dealerships across 27 cities, and expecting to cater to both the domestic market and overseas markets like South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
