Small cars in the United States are a novelty these days, as bigger and bolder seem to the norm even for electric vehicles. Take the General Motor's (GM) -) GMC Hummer EV and Tesla's (TSLA) -) fabled, stainless steel Cybertruck as examples.
Related: Sony and Honda's new EV is an AI-powered wake up call for Tesla
However, Vietnamese EV newcomer VinFast (VFS) -) is flipping the script and introducing a pint-sized SUV that has the ability to charm the interests of American consumers.
Meet the VF3
VinFast
At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, VinFast lifted the wraps off the VF 3, a small, all-electric SUV originally designed for the Vietnamese market and now destined for American shores.
Described by the Vietnamese automaker as a "mini e-SUV," this SUV makes the Mini Cooper look gargantuan in comparison. The VF 3 measures at a minuscule (for cars) 125.6 inches long, almost ten inches shorter than a similar looking "mini SUV" from 1995 — the Suzuki Samurai — and almost 19 inches longer than the 2018 Smart Fortwo.
Compared to a domestically made subcompact SUV, the now-discontinued Jeep Renegade, the VinFast VF 3 measures almost a full 3 feet shorter than the Jeep's 167 inches.
VinFast
But despite the seemingly small proportions, VinFast says that the VF 3 can seat four people, while the rear seats fold down for up to 19.4 cubic feet of trunk space. In addition, the vehicle will also feature a 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
VinFast did not give any hints toward any specs regarding battery capacity or power, but it says that it is targeting an EPA range of 125 miles.
Tiny car, right price:
VinFast
According to a statement by VinFast, the company expects to begin taking reservations for the VF 3 later this year. VinFast advisor Duke Hale said in an October 2023 statement to Automotive News that the VF 3 could have a sticker price of $20,000 or less and that prospective dealers are keen to sell such a car at their showrooms.
"They liked the whole lineup but the VF 3, I would say, got an almost 100 percent response," Hale told Automotive News. "They really liked the VF 3 and the reason is it's probably sub-$20,000."
In a June 2023 statement, VinFast described the VF 3 as potentially being the "national vehicle" of Vietnam, describing it as a key to mass adoption of electric cars on its motorcycle-dominated streets.
"With its outstanding advantages of zero emissions, noise-free operation, environmental friendliness, and, most importantly, high safety standards, VF 3 has the potential to become the new 'national vehicle' for the Vietnamese people. It can help fulfill the 'car dreams' of millions of families while improving living standards and serving as a powerful catalyst for the widespread adoption of electric cars in Vietnam."
