This Vietnamese electric car arrives in France at an attractive price, but beware of its consumption

For some time now, Asian manufacturers have been many to try their luck in Europe. But if the Chinese are the majority, a Vietnamese brand is also making waves. This is Vinfast, which recently began its offensive on the Old Continent.

An affordable electric SUV

The firm was particularly present in force during the 2022 Paris Motor Show, during which it showed a large part of its electric range to French visitors. However, it took a little patience to see its first model arrive in French dealerships. If the first deliveries of the VF8, which we were able to test, were scheduled for December of the same year, they finally started a little later.

All has not been rosy for the Hanoi-based manufacturer, with very weak sales. But the latter has not said its last word, and is launching a second model here. This is the VF6, which again takes the form of an SUV, but much smaller. It competes head-on with the Renault Mégane E-Tech, the Peugeot e-2008 and the Volkswagen ID.3, among others.

Already sold in Vietnam for some time, this new arrival takes up the characteristic elements of the brand’s design, but displays fairly contained dimensions. It actually measures 4.24 meters long for 1.82 meters wide and 1.59 meters high. Its wheelbase is announced at 2.73 meters, which allows it to accommodate up to five passengers quite comfortably. Regarding infotainment, the VF6 is equipped with a 12.9 inch touch screenprobably compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

As with Tesla, the SUV skips the instrument cluster, but it still has the right to a head-up display projected onto the windshield. The manufacturer’s website also specifies that the front seats are heated and ventilated, but only on the Plus finish covering the range. Note, however, that the equipment is quite generous on the entry-level version, including in particular keyless access and starting and the 360 ​​degree camera. On the other hand, no word yet on the subject of trunk volume.

From 33,990 euros

The new Vinfast VF6 is therefore arriving in France with an entry ticket displayed at 33,990 euros. But despite its price, the electric SUV should unfortunately not be entitled to the ecological bonus, due to its production in Asia. At this price, rather competitive for the category, this newcomer has a 177 horsepower front engine for 250 Nm of torque, which allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds. To reach 204 horsepower and 310 Nm, you will have to opt for the Plus version, billed 37,990 euros.

Whatever the variant, the SUV is only entitled to a 59.6 kWh battery. Enough to offer maximum autonomy of 410 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, which suggests fairly high consumption: a Renault Mégane E-Tech, equipped with a similar battery, offers up to 470 km of WLTP autonomy.

Charging takes place from 10 to 70% in 25 minuteswhich gives hope for a recharge of 10 to 80% in around 35 minutes: a score which is not astonishing, its competitors generally only requiring 25 to 30 minutes for the exercise.

The equipment of the most high-end version notably includes thehas dual-zone air conditioning, GPS navigation as well as the panoramic roof and 19-inch rims. On the other hand, all versions have the right to 7 year or 160,000 kilometer warranty. For the moment, no delivery date has yet been announced by the manufacturer, which will also launch its electric SUV in Germany and the Netherlands at the same time.