You have to give credit to VinFast, the Vietnam-based automaker that is rapidly expanding globally. The fact that it does so after only four years of existence testifies to the audacity of the Vingroup conglomerate.
Apart from manufacturing automobiles, scooters and transit buses, Vingroup’s Vietnamese businesses include the development of commercial and residential properties, as well as hotels and resorts, healthcare technologies and universities. .
VinFast showcased vehicles at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to bring electric vehicles to market in Canada by early 2023. North American production is expected to begin in 2024 in North Carolina.
The VF 8 will be the first of several electric models eventually offered here through a network of company-owned locations from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Points of sale in other cities will eventually follow.
The VF 8, designed by Pininfarina of Italy, is a handsome five-seater midsize utility vehicle that is about 13 centimeters longer and five centimeters longer than the Honda CR-V. The distance between the front and rear wheels is about 25 centimeters greater.
The well-appointed interior of the VF 8 is equally stylish, highlighted by a rather complex 15.6-inch touchscreen, which includes the gauge cluster. Shift knobs – the largest found on any vehicle – protrude from the floor console. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, while the fold-down rear seat offers decent legroom. Cargo space is also generous, with space available under the hood for small items.
Both VF 8 trim levels – Eco and Plus – are all-wheel-drive, using front and rear electric motors backed by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery. The Eco is rated at 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, and the Plus is rated at 402/457.
According to VinFast, the Eco can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in 5.8 seconds, while the Plus cuts it to 5.3. It’s fast enough for everyday riding, but it’s by no means the fastest in the class.
As for range, the Eco should reach a maximum of 490 kilometres. The Plus is rated at nearly 450.
According to the company, connecting the VF 8 to a commercial 480-volt fast charger (not a 240-volt docking station) will bring the batteries to 70% of their 10% capacity in about 30 minutes. At home, expect a full charge overnight.
Drive modes on pre-production test vehicles included a Sport setting, but it’s almost indistinguishable from Normal mode. VinFast says it will fix this issue before full production begins.
Otherwise, the VF 8 is quiet and comfortable. Unfortunately, the five-kilometre private test course lacked any rough surfaces that would have allowed the suspension to be explored further.
The Eco starts at $51,250 plus destination fees, which VinFast didn’t provide on time. That price could make the VF 8 ripe for government rebates, but as of September 1, it wasn’t on the list of vehicles eligible for the federal zero-emission vehicle (iZEV) incentive program, which provides up to 5 $000.
The battery was split into a monthly fee of $39/month plus 0.9 cents per mile after 500 miles in that month. Alternatively, you’ll get unlimited miles for a flat rate of $139/month. With either transferable plan, VinFast will replace the batteries if the capacity drops below 70% over the life of the vehicle.
This could affect rebate eligibility, depending on how the federal government applies the cost of the battery to the current base-model iZEV price cap of $55,000.
Standard equipment for the VF 8 includes a navigation system, dual-zone climate control, heated and power front seats, heated steering wheel and a head-up display for the driver that projects vital information onto the windscreen.
At $69,750, the Plus gets a power panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and an upgraded audio system.
Many active safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist are standard.
Will buyers flock to an unknown brand that builds vehicles of unknown reliability? And what about servicing vehicles without a traditional dealer network? The VF 8’s 10-year/200,000-kilometre warranty might help.
As a new player in this country – although not a new car manufacturer – VinFast will have to go the extra mile to prove itself. The VF 8, however, seems on par with its competitors in terms of features and range, and battery leasing is an intriguing new pricing model for drivers, especially those who don’t rack up a lot of miles.
Success will depend on how much value buyers place on VF 8 and whether they are willing to take that gamble.
— Disclosure: For this First Drive, VinFast provided the trip to Vietnam, accommodation and meals, without conditions.
What you need to know: 2023 VinFast VF 8
Type: Mid-Size All-Wheel Drive Electric Utility Vehicle
Engines (hp): Electric front and rear (348/402)
Transmission: Single speed controller
Market position: The VF 8 is the first vehicle imported by VinFast. The Vietnamese automaker will follow up with the larger seven-passenger VF 9, expected by mid-2023, before introducing smaller models and possibly a sedan and a pickup.
Points: The style is best described as conservative. The nose is the most important feature. • The extra large touch screen will require some familiarization as all the driver information is also there. • Dual motor power is sufficient but not exciting. • Battery life is adequate, but less than many competitors. • Will battery subscription fees help or hinder sales?
Driving assistance: Blind spot warning with reversing warning in the event of cross traffic (standard); active cruise control (standard); forward emergency braking (standard); distracted driver alert (std.); lane departure warning (std.); pedestrian warning (std.)
L/100 km (city/highway): n / A
Basic price (excluding destination): $51,250 plus battery rental
BY COMPARING
Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Base price: $53,700
- The electric tailgate offers up to 480 hp The AWD version has a maximum range of 430 km.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Base price: $47,550
- The in-demand electric vehicle offers up to 480 km of range. All-wheel drive is available.
Subaru Solterra
- Base price: $55,000 (estimate)
- The all-wheel-drive hatch looks good. Maximum autonomy of 365 km.
– written by Malcom Gunn, managing partner at Wheelbase Media
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