After successfully launching three models in the Philippines just a few months ago, VinFast is making a huge followup with a tiny car – the VF 3. And trust me, this little guy is turning heads, not just for its size but for what it brings to the table.
So, what exactly is the VF 3? It’s about the size of your typical city car, and at first glance, you’d think it’s just another compact, affordable runabout. But there’s one major difference: it’s fully electric. Yep, no gas here. Just plug in and go. That alone gives it a unique position in the market, especially for those looking to go green without breaking the bank.
Let’s talk numbers. The VF 3 measures 3,190 mm in length, 1,679 mm in width, and 1,622 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,075 mm. It’s actually shorter than the Suzuki S-Presso, but what surprised me is that it’s wider and taller, giving it a more rugged, confident stance on the road. Its 191 mm ground clearance is higher too, which is a big plus if you’re navigating city streets filled with potholes and high gutters. No need to worry about bottoming out here.
Another cool feature: the 16-inch steelies. While not as light as alloys, they’re a neat touch that adds to the VF 3’s charm.
Design-wise, the VF 3 strikes a balance between rugged and retro. It’s almost as if someone tossed an SUV into a dryer and let it shrink to city car proportions. There’s a touch of International Harvester Scout in its boxy silhouette, with plastic fender flares that add to the rugged, mini-SUV feel.
The modern twist is undeniable, though, and it’s this combination of old-school ruggedness and contemporary flair that makes the VF 3 stand out.
Up front, you get projector halogen headlights—nothing fancy but perfectly adequate for a car at this price point. The back has a similar straightforward charm. It’s a design that feels both playful and purposeful, and I can see it appealing to drivers who want something different from the usual city car fare.
Open the trunk, and you’ve got a decent amount of space for your everyday items. Think a backpack, a laptop bag, or a couple of shopping bags. Fold the rear seats, and the cargo space expands to 285 liters. It’s practical enough for short trips around the city, but don’t expect to load up for a weekend getaway without playing Tetris with your luggage.
Inside, the VF 3 continues to surprise. Given its compact exterior, I wasn’t expecting much room in the back, but the rear seats offer just enough legroom for two average-sized adults. It’s more suited for shorter trips, but it’s not as cramped as you might think.
Up front, the cabin is surprisingly roomy. The VF 3 is designed to comfortably seat four, and with no bulky center console or excess controls cluttering things up, the driver and passenger enjoy plenty of space. At the center of the dash, there’s a 10-inch infotainment screen, which also houses most of the car’s controls. It’s pretty minimalistic, but that’s part of the appeal. You still get physical knobs for the air conditioning, which I personally love—it’s much easier and safer to use while driving.
Safety-wise, the VF 3 covers the basics. You get dual airbags, traction control, and hill-start assist, which are all standard. It’s a good mix of features, especially for the price.
The VF 3 is equipped with a 32 kW electric motor that delivers 110 Nm of torque. The best part? Torque is instant, as you’d expect from an EV, making the VF 3 feel surprisingly nimble around the city. I haven’t had enough time behind the wheel to give a full assessment of its driving dynamics, but based on my initial experience, this thing has serious potential as a city car. Zipping through traffic should be a breeze.
The VF 3 comes with an 18.64 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is good for around 210 kilometers on a full charge. For a city car, that’s more than enough range to get you through your daily commute and then some. And charging is super convenient. You can either plug it in at home overnight or use DC fast charging stations to go from 10 to 70 percent in just 36 minutes. That’s pretty quick for a car in this price range.
Here’s where it gets interesting: VinFast offers two ways to buy the VF 3. You can either get the car with the battery included, or you can opt for their battery subscription model. If you choose the subscription, VinFast will take care of the battery for you, replacing it when its health drops below 70 percent. It’s a great option if you’re worried about long-term battery degradation. The subscription starts at just P2,800 per month for 1,500 kilometers of use.
VinFast Philippines is offering an introductory price for the VF 3 until October 15, 2024, with the battery subscription model starting at P605,000 and the model with the battery included priced at P705,000. After that, prices will go up to P645,000 and P745,000, respectively. But for now, you’re getting an excellent deal on this quirky little EV.
And the color options? There are nine to choose from, and the best part is that all colors are free for early buyers—even the premium ones like this eye-catching pink with a white roof. If you want something really unique, you can even pick any color you like for an extra P40,000.
Overall, the VinFast VF 3 is a quirky, fun little car with a ton of potential for city driving. The battery subscription model is revolutionary, and the price point makes it one of the most accessible EVs on the market. If you’re looking for an affordable, eco-friendly option for your daily commute, the VF 3 is a charming choice definitely worth considering.
