3 reasons why Gen Z drivers would love the VinFast VF 3

VinFast Philippines has shared several qualities of the VF 3 electric vehicle (EV), which younger Filipino car buyers might find attractive. 

The aforementioned is based on a study conducted in the United States by the Drivers Instructors Association. Per the study, it was revealed that half of its 4,000 Generation Z (Gen Z) respondents prioritize the safety, longevity, affordability, and environmental impacts of a vehicle. 

In part of VinFast, the company shared that it is confident the VF 3 can tick all the aforementioned boxes. 

Budget-friendly

As of its launch, the Philippine-spec VF 3 is very accessible due to its relatively low price tag. For reference, the small EV is priced at P645,000 with a battery subscription and P745,000 for one that comes with a battery. 

Additionally, the model was made even more affordable thanks to a special introductory price available until October 15, 2024. Those who will place reservations before the said date can acquire the EV unit at a price of P605,000 with a battery subscription or P705,000 with a battery included.

Operating the vehicle will likewise return inherently low costs. Per the Vietnamese marque’s local arm, the VF 3 with a battery included only costs an average of P2,300 per 1,500 kilometers of distance traveled. The said figure means the VinFast EV is almost as cheap to run as an average motorcycle.  

Moreover, EVs are known to have lower maintenance costs compared to traditional internal combustion engines since it has fewer moving parts and fewer consumable components. 

The model even comes with a seven-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty, which goes together with an eight-year unlimited warranty for the version with a battery included. The aforementioned, of course, is an attractive prospect for budget-conscious young professionals. 

Buyers who have opted to get the car brand’s battery subscription service may likewise take advantage of its battery replacement program. Once a battery’s capacity drops below 70 percent, the marque’s local arm will replace it with a new battery for free. 

A tool for self-expression

Thanks to its boxy body, the VF 3 is easily customizable. As such, it can become an effective vessel to represent a Gen Z car owner’s personality and self-expression. 

For instance, the relatively flat and straight proportions of the EV unit can be easily made to suit a variety of custom wrap jobs. It also has the ability to take on aftermarket wheels due to its notably large wheel wells. The vehicle’s load-bearing roof may be suitable for roof racks as well. 

Plus, the model’s interior is quite minimalistic. As such, enterprising owners of the VinFast model can add a variety of useful interior attachments, such as phone holders, aftermarket cupholders, and many other accessories. 

Even the VF 3, in its stock form, already offers plenty of leeway when it comes to making it look unique. In total, it has nine exterior colors available. The aforementioned ranges from neutral tones to bold and eye-catching hues. 

Regardless of mods or not, the exterior of the model already comes with a bold, boxy design, which makes it look like a tiny sports utility vehicle. Helping the ride achieve its tiny but somewhat macho look are a set of beefy wheel arches, and its chunky front and rear bumpers. 

Additionally, early adopters of the VF 3 can pay P40,000 to have their respective rides painted with the color of their liking. 

Practical daily driver

Despite its small size, the VinFast says that the VF 3 does not compromise when it comes to driving. 

The interior of the model is relatively suitable for various body types. It has a four-way, manually adjustable driver and front passenger seat wrapped in durable fabric. 

Here are other features of the VF 3 that may help make daily driving a breeze: 

• Rear parking assist
• Rearview camera
• Electronic parking brake
• Sun visor
• Filtered manual air-conditioning system

Safety, on the other hand, is handled aboard the VF 3 by anti-lock braking, traction control, hill-start assist, speed-sensing door locks, and an engine immobilizer. 

Also, the EV model has a maximum trunk capacity of 285 liters (rear seats down). The said space is more than enough for a week’s worth of groceries. 

In the context of being a fully electric ride, the VF 3 also boasts an estimated driving range of 215 kilometers. It also has a quick charging capability, which can take its state of charge from 10-70 percent in just 36 minutes. 

Performance-wise, the VinFast ride also provides an engine outpt of 43 horsepower and 110 Newton-meters of torque. The said output is more than enough, considering the vehicle’s curb weight only clocks in at 857 kilograms. 

Final thoughts

With its regular pricing, the VinFast VF 3 is currently one of the most affordable EV models in the Philippines right now - a characteristic many budget-conscious young professionals would want.

But while it has a low starting price, it has enough strengths to qualify it as a good candidate for becoming the daily chariot of a Gen Z car buyer. 

Nevertheless, folks who are seriously considering the VF 3 should give it a good test drive first. Better yet, one should also take out its similarly-sized rivals for a test drive. For reference, its local rivals are the Jetour Ice Cream and the BYD Seagull. 

Model	VinFast VF 3
Exterior
Dimensions ( LxWx H, in mm)	3,190x1,679x1,622
Wheelbase (mm)	2,075
Ground clearance (mm)	191
Wheel size	16-inch
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Drive mode selector Electronic parking brake Manual air-conditioning Wi-Fi connection USB ports 60:40 split-folding rear seats 4-way manual adjust front seats 2-piece speaker system Bluetooth connectivity Window demister/defroster Regenerative braking
Instrument cluster	-
Infotainment system	10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	4
Cargo capacity	285 liters (rear seats down)
Powertrain
Motor	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Battery capacity (kWh)	18.64
Range	215
Horsepower	43
Torque	110 Newton-meters
Brakes	Front disc/rear drum
Technologies
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Brake assist Traction control Hill-start assist Speed-sensing door locks Seatbelt reminder Rear parking assist Rear parking camera
Security	Engine immobilizer
Price	P645,000 (with battery subscription), P745,000 (with battery)

Also read: 

VinFast PH introduces VF 3

BYD Seagull vs. VinFast VF 3, Jetour Ice Cream

VinFast VF 3 vs. the competition