Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer the stuff of futuristic dreams. They’re here, buzzing quietly down our streets, and more importantly, becoming affordable for everyday drivers. One of the most exciting entrants in this category is the VinFast VF 3, a compact electric SUV from Vietnam’s fast-rising automaker VinFast.
Compact, stylish, and designed for the urban jungle, the VF 3 is attracting global attention not just for its price but for how cleverly it’s packaged. This blog takes a deep dive into what the VinFast VF 3 offers, where it’s headed, and why it might just be the city car many people have been waiting for.
Table of Contents
The Rise of VinFast and the Birth of the VF 3
VinFast, a subsidiary of Vietnam’s Vingroup, is one of the youngest car manufacturers in the world, yet it has managed to grab headlines across the globe. Known for its ambitious EV lineup and bold expansion plans, VinFast has already launched models in various size categories.
The VF 3 is the brand’s smallest offering, a mini electric crossover SUV that’s all about accessibility. VinFast clearly wants this to be the EV that makes electric mobility mainstream in developing and urban-focused markets.
The company first revealed the VF 3 in 2023, and by mid-2024, it was already rolling off production lines in Vietnam.
Exterior Design – Compact But With Character
At just over 3.1 meters in length (around 10 feet), the VinFast VF 3 is tiny by SUV standards. Yet, it looks far from toy-like. VinFast’s designers have gone for a boxy, upright profile, which gives the VF 3 a tougher stance than most city cars.
The chunky wheel arches, short overhangs, and minimalistic surfaces make it feel more like a scaled-down SUV than a city hatchback. The two-door layout keeps it sporty and urban, while the tall roofline maximizes headroom for passengers.
You also get:
- Eight exterior colors to match individual styles
- Distinctive LED lighting signatures
- A high seating position for better visibility in city traffic
This is the kind of EV that’s small enough to squeeze through narrow streets but still feels like a proper car rather than a compact pod.
Interior – Minimalism Meets Practicality
Step inside, and you’ll notice VinFast has embraced simplicity. The VF 3 doesn’t have a traditional instrument cluster. Instead, all key driving information appears on the central 10-inch floating touchscreen, which also handles infotainment.
Seats are upright but comfortable, with space for four passengers. The tall design and clever layout mean that despite the small footprint, you won’t feel cramped in the front. Rear space is decent for short to medium trips, though taller passengers might find legroom limited.
Practical touches include:
- Foldable rear seats for increased cargo space
- Simple climate controls
- USB charging ports for devices
It’s clear the VF 3 has been designed with daily commuting and urban errands in mind, rather than long road trips.
Powertrain – Designed for the City, Not the Autobahn
Under the hood (or more accurately, under the floor), the VF 3 gets:
- Electric motor output: 32 kW (around 43.5 horsepower)
- Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
- Battery: 18.64 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) pack
- Range: Around 215 km (WLTP) or ~130 miles on a full charge
- Charging: 10%–70% in just 36 minutes with fast charging
These numbers might not impress sports car enthusiasts, but they’re more than enough for the VF 3’s intended use — short city commutes, errands, and school runs.
Top speed is officially 100 km/h, though some early users have noted it feels more comfortable at lower highway speeds. This reinforces the fact that the VF 3 is meant for urban environments first.
Where the VF 3 is Launching
VinFast isn’t keeping the VF 3 limited to Vietnam. The rollout plan is ambitious:
- Vietnam: Home market, where the VF 3 launched in August 2024. Demand was huge — over 27,000 bookings in just 66 hours.
- Philippines: Officially launched in late 2024 at a price of ₱745,000.
- Indonesia: Debuted at IIMS Surabaya 2025, winning “Best EV City Car” along with three other awards. Over 400 units delivered within two months.
- India: Expected launch in February 2026, with prices starting around ₹10 lakh.
- Other ASEAN Markets: Potential rollouts in Malaysia and Thailand are rumored.
Price – The VF 3’s Biggest Weapon
The standout feature of the VinFast VF 3 is its price-to-value ratio.
| Country | Price Estimate |
|---|---|
| Vietnam | ~$12,800 USD equivalent |
| Philippines | ₱745,000 (~$13,000) |
| Indonesia | Market price with free charging offers |
| India (expected) | ₹7.5–10 lakh |
At these prices, the VF 3 directly targets budget-friendly EVs like the MG Comet EV, Tata Tiago EV, and Citroen eC3.
Awards and Recognition
In its short life so far, the VF 3 has already earned recognition. At IIMS Surabaya 2025, it not only grabbed the Best EV City Car award but also secured three other honors, gaining nearly 90% of the public vote in its category.
This shows strong public acceptance and validates VinFast’s strategy of focusing on design, affordability, and practicality.
Strengths of the VinFast VF 3
- Affordability – One of the cheapest electric SUVs available.
- Urban-Friendly Size – Perfect for tight streets and limited parking.
- Modern Design – Compact yet rugged styling.
- Fast Charging – 10%–70% in 36 minutes is impressive for this segment.
- Award-Winning – Early industry and public recognition.
Challenges the VF 3 Might Face
- Limited Highway Performance – Not ideal for sustained high-speed driving.
- Two-Door Design – Limits practicality for larger families.
- Unknown Long-Term Durability – Still too new to gauge.
- Market Trust – VinFast is a new player in some countries.
Competitors – Who’s in the VF 3’s Way?
In India and other markets, the VF 3 will go up against:
- MG Comet EV – Similar size, slightly more premium feel.
- Tata Tiago EV – Strong brand trust and local support.
- Citroën eC3 – Quirky design with French flair.
- Tata Tigor EV – More traditional sedan shape, longer range.
VinFast’s ace card will be pricing and fresh styling.
Why the VF 3 Matters in the EV Market
The global EV push often focuses on premium models, but mass adoption can only happen when there are affordable, practical EVs. The VinFast VF 3 fits that bill perfectly.
By offering a fun, stylish, and efficient car at an entry-level price, VinFast is positioning itself as the brand that could help millions of people transition from petrol to electric.
Final Verdict
The VinFast VF 3 may not break speed records or carry a massive battery, but it could break down the barriers that keep people from buying an EV. Its combination of low price, urban-friendly design, and practical range makes it an ideal first EV for city dwellers.
If VinFast can deliver strong after-sales service and maintain quality, the VF 3 has the potential to become a household name in many countries.
