VinFast VF6 Review: Creta EV-Challenger Has Quirks Up Its Sleeve

NDTV

6 hours ago

Hai Phong (Anirban Mitra): Vietnam-based electric carmaker VinFast is set to make its India debut with the introduction of VF6 and VF7. The VF6 spans 4.2 metres in length, promises a real-life range of around 350 kilometres on a single charge and is likely to be priced under Rs 25 lakh, taking the competition to the likes of Hyundai Creta EV, Mahindra BE 6 and Tata Curvv EV. With context set, let's dive into the drive experience of VinFast VF6.
VinFast VF6 Design: Distinct yet refreshing
The stance is imposing, especially in the all-black shade but flowy lines give it a visual edge in a market full of boxy and upright SUVs. The V badge loudly sits on the face. The sleek DRLs (daytime running lights) take off from the centre, spreading all the way to the edge. The headlamp cluster looks aggressive thanks to a single projector-beam with double LED strips under it. The flaps beside the headlamp unit aid the aerodynamics, directing air towards the brakes and underbody for efficient cooling. The honeycomb stripes on the bumper make it appear too compact and busy for my liking.
Strong lines on the bonnet and upward-trending belt line help establish the SUV's stance. I like the design of the 18-inch alloy wheels, which tastefully complement the petite wheel arches and side cladding. The chrome coats on the roof rails and window line, especially the way they asymmetrically merge on the C-pillar, offer a visual break. I fear the VF6 will look equally appealing in other colours, as much as it does in black.
The rear end is layered and doesn't come across as a cohesive unit. The connected LED unit mimics the front-end design. The tail lamps are small and appear as an afterthought. The LED light units are pushed to the edges and tucked under a layer of cladding. A healthy rear bumper uplifts the rear design somewhat with edgy lines and creases.
VinFast VF6 Interior and Features: Spacious and neat
The interior is all-black as well. Leatherette seats are sufficiently large and supportive. The front seats have a cooling feature alongside electric adjustment. The free-standing 12.9-inch infotainment unit is tilted towards and barring the drive select switches, every other key in-car control needs to be accessed through the touchscreen. The tactile responsiveness is decent, albeit the driver needs to look away from his line of sight to make the changes. The absence of a driver's display will also take time to get used to. There are quite a few storage pockets around the cabin, however, the door bins are a bit small to accommodate even a litre-sized bottles. The soft touch on top of the dash, on side panels and contrast stitching look and feel premium.
A massive edge-to-edge, fixed-type panoramic sunroof offers an expansive view of the sky. The Indian version should have a retractable curtain under the sunroof to minimise the effect of the unforgiving heat. In terms of features, the VinFast VF6 comes with an air purifier, auto-dimming IRVMs, 360-degree camera, 7 airbags, level 2 advanced driver assistance system and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There is ample space in the rear seat. The wheelbase of VinFast VF6 is 2730 mm. The wheelbase for perspective is 120 mm longer than the Creta EV and only 11 mm shorter than the Harrier EV. The seat incline is perfect for journeys, however, I wished the length could be longer. The under-thigh support for adults is underwhelming, however, legroom or headroom is comfortable for even tall passengers. The flat floor allows the third person to sit at ease. In terms of rear seat conveniences, the VF6 gets dedicated AC vents, an armrest with cupholders and three adjustable headrests. The boot space stands at 423 litres and the flat loading lip allows easy loading and off-loading of luggage.
VinFast VF6 Battery, Motor and Range
VinFast is bringing the Plus variant to India which has a 59.6 kWh battery pack, promising a range of 379 kilometres in a WLTP cycle. The India certification for the range is due. The VinFast VF6 gets a single motor, front-wheel drive set-up, which makes 201 horsepower and 320 Nm of peak torque. A 7.2 kW AC charger should take around 8 hours to fully charge the battery. VinFast allows free-of-cost fast charging infra for Vietnamese customers. The brand is evaluating its DC charging facility for India.
VinFast VF6 Drive Experience
We had a chance to drive the VF6 on a designated testing track within the facility. The view from the driver's seat is wide confident inspiring. The thickness of the A-pillar may hinder the vision while taking turns. The steering wheel is compact and feels hefty at a standstill. Several key controls for ADAS are placed on the steering.
The front-wheel drive set-up is sufficiently quick off the line for regular city chores. The 0-100 kmph timing is marked at 8.9 seconds. It's decently fun to drive and in the sports mode, the steering wheel feels agile. With my particular unit, the steering had a juddering feel in the sport mode, which was decisively annoying. There is a bit of body roll when pushed hard around the corners.
Ride quality and real-world range are something we can comment on after properly experiencing the VinFast VF6 in our conditions. Initial impression suggests the ride would be largely balanced and supple. There are three levels of regenerative braking, and at the highest level the VF6 can be driven with a single pedal.
VinFast VF6 Launch and Delivery Timeline:
Vin Group is setting up its assembly plant in Tamil Nadu and aims to begin operations by July. Festive launch and delivery are on the cards and bookings may well begin in June. As far as pricing is concerned, the VinFast VF6 is likely to be priced under Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom) to keep it competitive.