Vinfast VF6 Electric SUV; First Ownership Review Is Here
The Vietnamese carmaker Vinfast entered the Indian market in September with two electric SUVs- the VF6 and VF7. The carmaker is currently commencing deliveries of these EVs. Making things more interesting, an ‘early ownership review’ has now surfaced online. Gurgaon-based Vikash Jyoti, content producer and founder of Neon Pigeon Creatives, recently took to X (previously Twitter) detailing his brand-new Vinfast VF6, and explaining why he chose it over rivals.
Jyoti’s X post shows several images and videos of his VF6. This electric SUV is a rival to the Hyundai Creta Electric, and comes in three different variants- Earth, Wind, and Wind Infinity. Jyoti has bought the range-topping Wind Infinity variant. In the thread, he also talks about the reasons that made him choose the Vinfast over its rivals. The VF6 managed to impress him with its freshness and uniqueness. In a sea of Cretas, Marutis & Tatas, the VF6 feels different! It is well kitted, good-looking, and simple. He says that the VF6 doesn’t try too hard to impress, like the Mahindra BE6.
He then talks about the VinGroup’s massive presence in Vietnam and the whole ecosystems that it has created there. Vin Group, the parent company of Vinfast is quite big, and has successful businesses running in multiple sectors.
In the automotive space, they have products like electric scooters, e-bikes, electric cars, EV buses and various cab and airport taxi services involving these. In addition to these, the conglomerate has a strong presence in the real estate sector as well. Jyotis says that he has been to Vietnam several times and has seen how big the company is. This seems to have added to his confidence in the brand and its products.
Next, he talks about how the vehicle would possibly tackle the likes of heavy rains and floods, which aren’t uncommon in Gurgaon. The battery pack on this EV is well sealed and has a metal casing that looks strong. It performed well in the Vietnamese flood & durability test videos, says this owner.
Jyoti took delivery of his VF6 from a dealership in Gurugram. (In the initial phase, VinFast would have 32 showrooms running in 27 cities.) He says that this particular retailer offered ‘next-day delivery’. In one of his previous X posts, we can see the yard of the Sohna road dealer. Plenty of new cars- VF6 and VF7- are seen parked here, awaiting deliveries.
He also talks about how he was able to secure a good ‘deal’ at the time of purchase. Vinfast is now offering a 3-year free charging, worth Rs 75,000 on the VF7 and charge worth Rs 60,000 on the VF6. Jyoti opted out of the charging offer and chose to have the same as a cash back. The final price, he says, was cheaper than the VF6’s ex-showroom price.
The top-spec variant comes with good kit levels. You get a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, level 2 ADAS, head-up display (HUD), air purifier, panoramic glass roof, 360° camera and more. This owner finds the Wind Infinity to be a worthy upgrade over the previous model.
The panoramic glass roof has also impressed him. It adds a nice airy feel, without actually getting the cabin too hot. (It should be noted that this is based on his experience in October, which isn’t the hottest month of a year) Like many other modern electric cars, the VF6 doesn’t get an in-built sun bind for the pano roof. The company is instead offering a manual roof cover as a free accessory for the summer.
The front seats, he says, are excellent with 8-way power adjustment and ventilation. The rear seats are okay for average height and may not be the best for people taller than 5’10" on long drives. The rear row has a fixed angle backrest.
Another useful feedback we get from this owner is about the way the doors shut. He says that the body feels solid, and doors, frunk & boot shut heavy. The rear door, he says, is a bit too heavy sometimes! He also adds that driving the VF6 will involve a learning curve if you’re switching from a regular petrol/diesel car.
There is no gear lever or start/stop button here. You step in, press the ‘D’ button and go! The indicator stalks sit to your left, like they do in European cars. Most controls have been integrated into the central screen. You’ll take time getting used to it. The VF6 doesn’t get a USB-C port.
The VF6 Wind Infinity variants gets a front-axle-mounted electric motor that produces 201hp and 310 Nm, mated to a 59.6 kWh battery. The company claims a range of 468 km per charge. Jyoti says he’s been getting 380–410 km with AC running and Sport mode engaged. The regen he says, feels smooth. This owner drove over 300 km in the first 3 days, and says that the car gets a lot of attention everywhere.
Jyoti has also mentioned a few minor issues that he has been facing on the VF6. He says that the dashboard alignment on the right door feels a bit out of place, and also shared a picture of the same online. The VF6 gets a puncture repair kit instead of a spare tyre-another issue! It even lacks a boot tray!
The omission of an electric roof curtain is another major sore point, considering the hot Indian climate. He also says that the Vinfast website lacks clear information about service centres.