Vietnam’s first carmaker, Vinfast, has always had global aspirations especially with the larger US and Europe markets. Now a couple of months into its third year since its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, it seems like the day is finally here, led by a trio of new electrified SUVs.
The smallest of the trio is the VF31, which Vinfast markets as a C-segment SUV. However, measuring in at 4,300 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,611 mm, the VF31 is more comparable in size to a B-segment SUV such as the Honda HR-V.
Details on the car are scarce so far, though Vinfast did reveal that the VF31 will come with a vertical-oriented central infotainment screen sized between 10-12.8 inches, HEPA cabin filter with activated carbon for the air conditioning system, while a “Premium” variant also gains additional steering wheel heating, alongside seat heating and ventilation.
The VF31 will be a fully-electric model, powered by a permanent magnet motor that generates 85 kW (114 hp) and 190 Nm of torque. No performance figures have been announced just yet, but Vinfast says that the VF31 will be capable of a range of 300 km with a full charge.
The Premium variant is rated a full five stars in the EURO NCAP safety standard, while the standard version gets a ASEAN NCAP four-star rating.
Next up is the VF32, a D-segment SUV measuring 4,750 mm with a wheelbase measuring 2,950 mm, making it just 30 mm longer than the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, but with a wheelbase more comparable to that of the BMW X5.
The Vinfast VF32 SUV will be offered in two electric and one petrol-powered variants. Both electric variants will be powered by a pair of PSM motors for a full-time all-wheel drive set-up, with the Premium variant getting 300 kW (402 hp) and 640 Nm of torque, while the standard variant lowers its output to 150 kW (201 hp) and 320 Nm of torque.
The Premium variant will also get a 90 kWh battery pack, which should be good for a fully-electric range of 504 km. The VF32 is also rated for a full five-star for both the NHTSA and EURO NCAP safety standards.
On the ICE side of things, the petrol-powered variant will see a 2.0-litre powertrain underneath the bonnet, good for 189 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm.
In terms of equipment, the interior of the VF32 is headlined by a massive 15.4-inch central infotainment display, alongside a multi-colour ambient lighting system, HEPA and activated carbon cabin filters, as well as steering wheel heating, and heated and ventilated seats.
Last in the list is the Vinfast VF33, a humongous E-segment SUV similar in size to the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS, measuring in at 5,120 mm long with a 3,150 mm wheelbase.
The VF33 will feature the same powertrain set-up as the VF32. Electric juice comes from a 106 kWh battery pack under the floor, which translates to a range of 550 km based on an unknown standard. A petrol-powered version will also be made available, powered by a 2.0-litre engine that makes 228 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
Just like the VF32, the larger sibling is also rated for a full five-star on both the NHTSA and EURO NCAP safety standards.
Feature wise, the flagship Vinfast VF33 SUV will be equipped with Matrix LED headlights up front, the same large 15.4-inch central infotainment display as seen on the VF32, along with a massive 2.63 sqm panoramic ceiling glass with 99% UV protection for the top-of-the-range variant.
Vinfast made big claims on the advance safety features on its new SUVs, with all three models coming with level 2-3 autonomous capabilities. The system will feature 30 smart features divided into seven groups, including smart driving assistant, adaptable lane control, active cruise control, multi-point collision warning, comprehensive collision mitigation system, smart automatic parking, and a driver monitoring system.
The premium version of all three models will also supposedly feature level four self-driving capabilities, powered by a suite of Lidar sensors and 14 cameras that feeds info into the Orin-X chip on-board. However, availability of these features will of course depend on each region’s own laws.
Additionally, Vinfast also says that these new SUVs will come with an “e-cockpit” smart virtual cockpit system, with features such as AI-powered virtual assistant and facial recognition. The actual functionalities of these systems though, will have to wait until the cars are released.
Vinfast will begin taking orders for the VF31 beginning May in Vietnam, with deliveries slated for November this year. The VF32 and VF33 meanwhile will be available for order starting September, and will be delivered starting in February 2022.
As for the US and Europe market, the VF32 and VF33 will be available for order starting November this year, with deliveries planned from June 2022 onwards.
