I not too long ago had the chance to go to VinFast’s headquarters in Hai Phong, Vietnam—a sprawling, vertically built-in manufacturing complicated that displays the corporate’s world ambitions. While there, I skilled the two fashions that will spearhead VinFast’s entry into India: the VF6 and VF7. I additionally acquired an inside have a look at how VinFast builds its vehicles, the way it plans to construct its presence in a aggressive and complicated market like India.
Scale, Strategy, and Manufacturing Muscle
VinFast’s entry into India is a strategic one, and it comes with actual funding. The firm is organising a producing facility in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, with an preliminary capability of fifty,000 automobiles per yr, scalable to 150,000 models yearly. With an funding of as much as USD 500 million, this isn’t a gentle launch—it’s a full-fledged push into what is among the world’s most promising auto markets.
The India strategy isn’t just about assembling vehicles. VinFast plans to construct an entire EV ecosystem — including charging infrastructure, service networks, and a strong dealership presence spanning each metro and Tier 2 and 3 cities. There can also be a transparent concentrate on localisation to enhance value effectivity, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative.
But ambition alone doesn’t assure success — particularly in a market the place Tata Motors and Mahindra have already established themselves with localised EV choices, intensive networks, and strong shopper belief. This is the place VinFast’s merchandise will have to do the speaking.
Inside, you get related tech and creature comforts as in the VF6, however the VF7 provides area and a extra premium contact.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
VF6: Compact, Connected, and Surprisingly Refined
Let us begin with the VF6. At 4,241 mm in size and with a 2,730 mm wheelbase, it slots into the compact SUV class. But in phrases of presence, it punches above its weight. The stance is assured, and design-wise, it manages to look futuristic with out being flashy.
Under the pores and skin is a 150 kW (201 bhp) motor that drives the entrance wheels and places out 310 Nm of torque. The 0–100 km/h time of 8.89 seconds feels sufficient for every day commutes, with a linear throttle response and fast off-the-line acceleration. The 59.6 kWh battery delivers usable vary in the area of 400+km, and regenerative braking is adjustable throughout 4 ranges.
What stood out to me through the drive was the experience high quality. The MacPherson entrance and management blade rear suspension setup absorbed bumps properly and gave the VF6 a planted, confidence-inspiring really feel — one thing not each EV manages at this dimension and worth level.
The cabin is minimal but characteristic wealthy. A 12.9-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, controlling most features. You get wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone local weather management, air purification, and even ventilated vegan leather-based seats with eight-way electrical adjustment for the driving force. The total execution feels premium, not only for the section, however even in comparison with some ICE rivals.
Safety is properly coated: Seven airbags, adaptive cruise management, lane centering, rear cross site visitors alert, and a 360-degree digicam system are all included. VinFast clearly isn’t reducing corners on tech or security.
With VF7 the styling is sleeker, and particulars just like the flush door handles, panoramic glass roof, and LED signature lighting elevate its road presence.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
VF7: Sharper, Stronger, and Segment-Up
The VF7 builds on the VF6’s platform and takes issues up a notch—each in dimension and efficiency. At 4,545 mm lengthy and with a 2,840 mm wheelbase, it enters mid-size SUV territory. The styling is sleeker, and particulars just like the flush door handles, panoramic glass roof, and LED signature lighting elevate its road presence.
You get two drivetrain choices: a single-motor FWD variant with the identical 150 kW/310 Nm setup because the VF6, or a dual-motor AWD model with 260 kW (348 bhp) and 500 Nm of torque. The latter hits 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, and that efficiency is genuinely felt on the street. Acceleration is speedy, and the AWD system provides a way of grip and stability, significantly helpful for freeway stints or moist circumstances.
Like the VF6, the VF7 makes use of a devoted EV platform. Its 70.8 kWh battery guarantees higher vary, and it helps 7.2 kW AC charging by way of a CCS2 port. Cabin insulation is sweet, and experience high quality is polished—on par with what you’ll count on from established world manufacturers.
Inside, you get related tech and creature comforts as in the VF6, however the VF7 provides area and a extra premium contact. Reclining rear seats, a powered tailgate, and reminiscence features for the mirrors and seats are considerate touches. The ADAS suite is equally complete, with auto lane change help, adaptive excessive beam, and door open warning among the many options.
Challenges and the Competitive Lens
The VF6 and VF7 will enter what’s quick changing into a crowded area in India—the compact and mid-size electrical SUV segments. These segments are not area of interest, and consumers right now are discerning, well-informed, and demanding. They count on their EVs to be extra than simply inexperienced options; they need them to be refined, feature-rich, comfy, and sensible sufficient to function major automobiles. And on these counts, each the VF6 and VF7 come throughout as well-rounded machines.
Though our expertise was restricted to the Vinfast manufacturing facility check observe, each automobiles demonstrated a degree of chassis maturity, experience consolation, and dealing with confidence that will possible translate properly to Indian driving circumstances. Cabin insulation is spectacular, construct high quality is stable, and the tech on board feels well-integrated relatively than gimmicky. Practicality too is clearly on VinFast’s radar—with usable boot area, roomy interiors, and considerate inclusions like drive modes, wi-fi connectivity, and intuitive interfaces.
The true check will be how these vehicles behave on Indian roads with native load circumstances and various terrains. The driving expertise was cohesive — there have been no tough edges or incomplete calibrations. Simply put, these are well-engineered EVs that tick the suitable packing containers for contemporary Indian consumers on the lookout for a stability between sustainability, sophistication, and on a regular basis usability.
Brands like Tata and Mahindra already have a strong foothold, with EVs tuned for native preferences and supported by expansive networks. For VinFast, the problem will be much less about proving product energy and extra about pricing them properly, constructing belief, and executing on after-sales guarantees.
Final Thoughts: Impressive Debut, Real-World Test Awaits
From manufacturing facility ground to tarmac, VinFast has proven that it has the aptitude to supply high-quality electrical automobiles that really feel world in execution. The VF6 and VF7, each constructed on the corporate’s personal EV platform, are stable entries into their respective segments—with refined drivetrains, sturdy security packages, and up to date interiors that rival the perfect in class.
But success in India isn’t just concerning the product. It is about scale, worth, assist, and belief. VinFast has a stable basis to work from, nevertheless it now has to ship on its guarantees in a market that’s each rewarding and unforgiving.
The VF6 and VF7 make a strong first impression. With the suitable strategy, VinFast may properly place itself as a critical new contender in the nation’s fast-evolving EV panorama.
Motorscribes, in affiliation with The Hindu, brings you the most recent in vehicles and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes
Published – June 10, 2025 06:03 pm IST
