VinFast Shows VF 6 and VF 7 in L.A., Opens First Canadian Store
Vietnamese automaker VinFast came to the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show this week to reveal more of its upcoming electric vehicles, the VF 6 and VF 7.
The duo will join the midsize VF 8 and full-size VF 9 by the end of 2023 as 2024 models. As for the smaller VF 5 that was also displayed at the latest CES in Las Vegas, we have no clues yet as when it will arrive.
- Also: VinFast Could Launch Electric Pickup After Its Five SUVs
- Also: VinFast Customers to Get Free Charging, Home Charger
Let’s start with the VF 6, which is a subcompact SUV in a similar size as the Kia Niro. It stands 4.24 metres long, 1.82 metres wide and 1.6 metres tall with a wheelbase of 2.73 metres. The sleek exterior, which carries over the brand’s “V” signature, is the work of renowned Italian studio Torino Design.
A single motor drives the VF6, making it FWD only. It generates 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in Eco trim or 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque in Plus trim. Unfortunately, battery specs and range have yet to be announced.
Inside, a head-up display replaces the instruments, while a large, driver-oriented touchscreen occupies the centre stack. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included along with Amazon Alexa, plus karaoke and navigation (what3words) apps. The VF 6 Plus further stands out with a panoramic roof and vegan leather.
Meanwhile, the VinFast VF 7 is a compact SUV that measures 4.54 metres long, 1.89 metres wide and 1.64 metres tall with a wheelbase of 2.84 metres. Styling is also the stuff of Torino Design and very similar to the VF 6.
The VF 7 is available with one or two motors. The FWD-equipped Eco model puts out 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD-only Plus model delivers 349 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Again, no battery specs are out yet.
Naturally, the VF 7 has more extensive content than the VF 6. For instance, premium vegan leather is available along with a larger touchscreen (15.6 inches). The same connectivity and infotainment features are included, mind you.
First Stores, Revised Pricing
VinFast officially opened its first Canadian store this week at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Seven more stores are set to open before year end, including two locations at CF Carrefour Laval in Quebec and Park Royal Shopping Centre in Vancouver, B.C.
We have some bad news to report about the VinFast models already available to order. The VF 8 and VF 9 now start at $54,990 and $79,990, respectively. That’s not even counting the battery subscription plan, which also comes with revised pricing. With the VF 8, the Fixed plan with unlimited km now costs $259 a month instead of $139. In the case of the VF 9, it’s $349 a month instead of $199.
The good news is that customers who make a reservation for the VF 8 or VF 9 before December 31 and subscribe to the Fixed plan will be offered a permanent subscription fee for the product’s lifetime. This policy will be automatically transferred to the new owner after the vehicle is sold. Furthermore, VinFast has committed to providing a lifetime battery warranty covering all maintenance and repair costs and will replace the battery for free when charging capacity dips below 70 percent.
If you don’t want to pay monthly fees for the battery, there’s a new option. VinFast has all-inclusive prices starting at $64,990 for the VF 8 and a whopping $103,790 for the VF 9. How will Canadians respond to the company’s unique business model? Let’s have this discussion in a year when the sales totals are released.