While Vinfast India is gearing up to launch the Limo Green 3-row MPV in the country this year and is evaluating the sub-compact VF3, the Vietnamese EV brand is also looking at bringing the VF5 hatchback to our market. Slotting between the aforementioned VF3 and the larger VF6 SUV in Vinfast’s international line-up, the VF5 is likely to be a Tata Tiago EV or Punch EV rival, depending on what specification is brought to India.
- Vinfast VF5 has a range of up to 326km (NEDC)
- VF5 is marginally larger than the Tata Punch EV
- It gets an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in markets abroad
Vinfast VF5 range, battery and powertrain
Depending on the market, the VF5 is available with a 29.6kWh battery or a 37.23kWh pack.
The Vinfast VF5 is already on sale in its home market of Vietnam and in countries such as Indonesia. However, the specifications of the all-electric hatchback change as per the market. Some have the VF5 with a 29.6kWh battery pack that powers a 95hp/135Nm front motor and an NEDC range of 268km. Meanwhile, other countries have the VF5 with a 37.23kWh unit, powering a 136hp/135Nm front motor, with an NEDC range figure of 326km on a single charge.
Vinfast VF5 exterior
VF5 is marginally larger than the Tata Punch EV.
At 3,967mm long, 1,723mm wide, 1,579mm high and with a 2,514mm wheelbase, the Vinfast VF5 is 19mm narrower and 54mm shorter than the Tata Punch EV. However, the Vietnamese EV has a 69mm longer wheelbase and is also 110mm longer overall than the Tata. The international-spec model has a ground clearance of 169mm, weighs up to 1,340kg and has a 260-litre boot, which is expandable to 900 litres with the 60:40 split/folding rear seats stowed.
In terms of design, the VF5 sports the typical Vinfast front fascia, and despite being a hatchback, it gets some SUV-like styling, such as the flared wheel arches and black body cladding connecting the bumpers. It should be noted that while the Indonesia-spec model gets 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers (shod in 195/65 R16 tyres), the Vietnamese-spec version runs on 17-inch alloys.
Vinfast VF5 interior and features
VF5 gets an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
The international-spec VF5’s 5-seat cabin features an all-black theme with silver highlights on the dashboard, the AC vents, the three-spoke steering and the infotainment display. Speaking of infotainment, it’s a driver-oriented 8-inch touchscreen unit, and there’s also a 7-inch digital driver’s display. Features on offer include a 4-speaker sound system, a PM2.5 air filter, leatherette seat covers, keyless entry and go, auto headlights and front and rear USB ports.
Vinfast VF5 price estimate
If it arrives, its prices are expected to start at Rs 12 lakh.
The Vinfast VF5’s price would depend on which specification is brought to India. Given the Vietnamese EV-maker’s penchant for aggressive pricing – the Hyundai Creta Electric rivalling VF6 is priced from Rs 17.29 lakh while the Tata Harrier EV’s competitor, the VF7, is priced from Rs 21.89 lakh – the VF5 could be priced from Rs 12 lakh onwards.
For reference, the Tata Punch EV with the 25kWh battery is currently priced between Rs 9.99 lakh-12.84 lakh, while the Long Range 35kWh version costs Rs 12.84 lakh14.14 lakh. Meanwhile, the Tata Tiago EV 19.2kWh battery versions costs Rs 7.99 lakh-Rs 8.99 lakh, and its 24kWh variants are priced between Rs 10.14 lakh-11.14 lakh.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
With inputs from Rivan RS
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
