Get Personal With The 2023 Vinfast VF 8: What, A Cheap Model Y From Tesla?
Vietnamese automaker VinFast, planning a strong push into the American market in 2022, was prominently featured at the New York […]
Monza Staff
Vietnamese automaker VinFast, planning a strong push into the American market in 2022, was prominently featured at the New York World Auto Show. At the exhibition, we got our first look at the VF 8, an all-electric small SUV that the firm plans to begin selling here in late 2022. The VF 8’s 15-inch central touch screen is reminiscent of Tesla’s and is used to operate many vehicle functions (including temperature, navigation, and music). Although Tesla has adopted a radically minimal style for its interiors, its VF 8’s cockpit still features a few traditional controls, some instantly recognisable. In a moment, we will elaborate.
The VF 8’s dashboard touch screen is the interior’s crowning glory. The visuals are clear, and the interface is responsive and easy to use. The UI is reminiscent of Tesla’s operating system and is generally very polished. (For more Tesla references, check out VinFast’s VF 8 site; the parallels to Tesla’s site are striking.)
The VF 8’s interior has an elderly BMW turn signal & windshield-wiper stalk on the steering wheel, a nod to the company’s connection with the German luxury brand, from which it derived its early vehicle platforms with substantially changed external and interior aesthetics. When it introduced the Model S, Tesla followed a similar strategy, using certain components manufactured by Mercedes-Benz.
The VF 8 we tested had the occasionally felt hand-built quality of new vehicles at car shows, but the interior materials were otherwise high quality. There is ample legroom and headroom for people in the backseat. However, even if the backrest may be lowered, the seat cushion will not be able to properly support your thighs if you sit with the knees bent.
VinFast claims the VF 8 Eco has a range of up to 292 miles so this SUV can be purchased for a starting MSRP of $41,000 (not including destination charges). (The EPA range ratings are often lower than estimated using the WLTP standard.) Rather than including the price of the rechargeable battery in the base price of the VF 8, VinFast is providing an innovative battery subscription scheme. The package includes a free battery repair when the battery’s capacity drops below 70% and a lifetime guarantee.
A new manufacturer faces a significant uphill battle in the highly competitive U.S. market. However, Tesla has shown that it can succeed with the right product. The VF 8’s all-electric powertrain and SUV styling make it an ideal product at the ideal moment. For VinFast, the time has come to make good on its grand plans. A new manufacturer faces a significant uphill battle in the highly competitive U.S. market. However, Tesla has shown that it is possible to succeed with the correct product at the right moment. The VF 8’s all-electric powertrain and SUV styling make it an ideal product at the ideal moment. VinFast must now act to achieve its sweeping goals.