A Pocket-Sized Electric VinFast VF 3 Is Cute But Not Quite Cutting Edge
VinFast is throwing its pint-sized VF 3 into the electric car ring! This little fella packs a punch — well, more of a light tap — with 43 horsepower (32 kW) and a range of 130 miles (210 km). But hey, who needs raw power when you've got charm, right?
Starting at a cool $9,428 (that’s in Vietnam) without the battery (that'll be extra, thank you very much), this Vietnamese electric vehicle clearly targets the budget-conscious buyer. Now, before you start thinking "cheap and cheerful," let's take a closer look at what this little EV has to offer.
With a ground clearance of 7.5 inches (191 mm), this mini-SUV is ready to take on potholes and speed bumps like a champ. Plus, it comes with stylish 16-inch wheels and a few aerodynamic flourishes to make it look like it's going fast even when it's not.
Inside, you'll find a surprisingly spacious cabin with a 10-inch display that serves as both an instrument cluster and an infotainment system. It's a minimalist affair, but then again, who needs fancy buttons and knobs when you've got a touchscreen.
Now, about that 130-mile range. It's not exactly groundbreaking, but let's be honest, most of us don't drive more than that in a day anyway. And if you do run out of juice, VinFast claims you can charge from 10% to 70% in just 36 minutes. So, you can grab a coffee, scroll through your social media feeds, and be back on the road before you know it.
Speaking of charging, VinFast is offering three different battery subscription plans for those who don't want to buy the battery outright. The cheapest one will set you back a mere $35 a month, while the most expensive one is $79 a month. It's a novel approach, but I can't help but wonder if it's just a way to make the car seem more affordable upfront.
Now, let's talk about that 0-31 mph (0-50 km/h) time of 5.3 seconds. VinFast calls it "brisk," but I'd say it's more like "leisurely." Still, it's not like you'll be drag-racing this thing. Unless that’s your plan - in that case, make sure you post it to YouTube for the world to see the cutest kitten SUV-wannabe pulling its hamstring while trying to do the grownup stuff.
Overall, the VinFast VF 3 is a cute and quirky little EV that's sure to turn heads. It's not the fastest or the most technologically advanced car out there, but it's got personality in spades. And for the price, it's hard to complain too much.
VinFast has also announced that the VF 8 will be getting Sony's RIDEVU streaming video service. Before you get too excited, this only works when the car is parked. So, unless you're planning on having a movie night in your driveway, it's not exactly a game-changer. Wait - I already forgot about charging this thing! Yes, now it makes sense - popcorn and movies while topping up? I’m in!
All in all, the VinFast VF 3 is a solid effort from a company that's still finding its footing in the EV market. It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see a VinFast that can go toe-to-toe with the big boys. Until then, we'll just have to settle for this adorable little EV.
