Words Abhay Verma
VinFast’s big splash at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo it is aiming to be seen as a premium player in India’s burgeoning EV space. And with the VF6 and VF7 set to be launched as the first products from VinFast India’s Thoothukudi factory in Tamil Nadu, the brand has made it amply clear that it is serious about the market. While the VF7 is larger and more premium, the VF6 is certainly the more strategic of the two, as it will be positioned in what is one of the most crucial EV segments in India, the midsize electric crossover space. This is a segment that has names like the MG Windsor, Hyundai Creta Electric and Tata Curvv EV vying for attention already.
While at VinFast’s factory in Vietnam, we also got a chance to get behind the wheel of the VF6, which makes for a very striking and distinctive appearance at the first glance itself. VinFast’s trademark ‘V’ styling makes its presence felt at the front in the form of the LED DRLs running across the SUV’s width. The bumper is well-rounded sans sharp edges, and houses projector-beam equipped headlamps at either end. The grille sits low, and overall, the front end is very distinctive looking. It’s exterior dimensions also affirm the positioning of the VF6 as a midsize SUV, as it is 4.3 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2.7 metres.
The India-spec VF6 will run on 18-inch wheels shod with tyres with taller sidewalls to enhance ride quality. Ground clearance for the India-spec VF6 will also be higher, at an impressive 190mm. The rounded theme continues at the sides, making for a friendly but striking appearance. That said, black plastic cladding throughout and brushed metal lining on the windows adds character, as does a sharp crease towards the rear that aligns with the tail lamps. VinFast’s trademark ‘V’ styling is present at the rear too and in fact, the VF6 looks particularly impressive from the rear thanks to the sleek tail lamps and LED strip connecting them, and also the sharp creases on the bootlid.
The cabin offers a premium vibe too, though the approach is simple and minimalistic. None of the VinFast models have an instrument cluster or dedicated driver display behind the steering wheel, which might take some getting used to though. Essentials like speed, range, charge status and more are thus viewed via the head-up display, a standard feature for India. The VF6 is equipped with a large, 12.9-inch touchscreen which also displays the same information in a dedicated space on the right, and the screen itself is angled towards the driver for quick reference on the go. The screen is also your gateway to most of the functions and the only physical controls you’ll find inside are under the touchscreen, for selecting a driving mode, using the parking brake or a customisable shortcut.
This means regen modes, headlamp adjustment, climate control and even ORVM adjustments are done through the touchscreen. The VF6 is also loaded with creature comforts like ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof and more. Interestingly, the India-spec VF6 will use vegan leather inside. Quality of materials feels premium, while the steering is a small one with a flat bottom and a brushed metal finish.
The open area in front of the centre console offers a sense of spaciousness, but otherwise, the cockpit feels compact. Seats are comfortable and plush, though legroom and kneeroom at the rear are decent at best. The rear bench is well-cushioned, the floor flat and the seat squab wide with good under thigh support though. VinFast is aiming at scoring five stars in the Bharat NCAP safety tests, and you get seven airbags, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree view and park assist, making for an impressive array of features on the safety front.
India will get the VF6 ‘Plus’, equipped with a larger, 59.6kWh battery pack. While ARAI certified range is yet to be announced, the version we drove boasts 480km per charge on the WLTP cycle. Fast charging speeds are yet to be revealed too. The VF6 Plus is also equipped with a more powerful motor putting out an impressive 204PS along with 310Nm, sent to the front wheels, while claimed 0-100kmph time is 8.89 seconds. Power delivery is smooth and there’s a likeable feel to the throttle responses and overall performance, as I discovered during our short drive on VinFast’s test track. Modes include Eco, Normal and Sport and the latter makes for particularly brisk acceleration. The test track only offered a limited sense of the car’s dynamics, but my initial impressions are positive. The VF6 feels planted at triple digit speeds and despite an artificial feel, the steering offers good feedback along with a weighted feel in Sport mode. Overall, there’s a very confident, European feel to the road manners, which is a good thing.
The VF6 thus comes across as a well-engineered EV and also impresses as a package. Importantly, VinFast is known for its aggressive pricing and strategies, so expect it to push the VF6 in India rather aggressively in its quest to carve a niche here quickly.
