Electric vehicles (EVs) tend to be more expensive than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, but as the technology gets commoditized and larger economies of scale are achieved, more and more EVs with affordable price tags are hitting the market. Case in point is the VinFast VF 3 mini EV, which is small, affordable, and packed with a lot of charm.
The VinFast VF 3 sits in a segment that’s composed of other small EVs that I shall not mention by name. That’s because if I were being brutally honest, we’re not fans of any of those. The problem with most EVs in this segment is that they mostly drive, look, and feel like glorified e-bikes. You know, those small trikes that are mostly meant for cruising in a village but not on a public road?
Compact Size, Big Impression
Anyway, right off the bat, that’s where the VF 3 already makes a solid first impression. This tiny EV has a true sense of style and presence that is not seen in other EVs in its segment. Thanks to the chunky wheel arches, 16-inch wheels, and 191-mm ground clearance, this is perhaps the smallest electric crossover SUV available in the market as well. You also have to remember that unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, which have a lot of vents, the VF 3 doesn’t have a lot of openings, thus making it more resistant (theoretically) to floods. However, we still don’t recommend doing this to your EV.
Another design highlight worth discussing with the VF 3 is its wide range of color choices to match its younger target audience. Depending on the color choice, this is even matched with a contrasting white roof. Of course, with its price point, it doesn’t have the usual array of LED exterior lighting, but it still gets lovely project0r-type halogen headlights and multi-reflector taillights. Finally, VinFast is proud of what its owners in Vietnam have done for the VF 3. The design of the VF 3 is a perfect canvas for personalization and modification to match your preference even further.
Interior Tech At The Forefront
Once again, moving inside the VinFast VF 3, there’s a reasonable amount of style and tech that is likewise absent in its rivals. For instance, it has a large 10-inch infotainment system that serves as your instrument cluster. Information is displayed legibly and clearly, and the menu structure is also logically laid out. There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which makes integrating your smartphone seamless and hassle-free.
As for the rest of the interior, the dash is nicely styled and is finished in durable materials. Yes, this may be a tiny EV that measures less than 3.2 meters long, but it has space at the back for two extra passengers–albeit at a pinch. Granted, no one can sit behind my driving position for a 5-foot 11-inch driver, but the front passenger can adjust their space to accommodate another 5-foot 11-inch passenger behind them. That’s still pretty good space utilization for such a small car, and that’s even more true with its cargo space. Behind those rear seats is a 36-liter cargo area, while folding the rear seats increases the capacity to a reasonably sized 285 liters–thanks mainly to the boxy shape of this mini EV.
Nippy Handling
Now, as for the driving experience, the 2025 VinFast VF 3 also has reasonably well-engineered driving dynamics. For what the rest of the segment offers, the VF 3 sets the bar pretty high. The VF 3 comes with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) single electric motor that produces 40 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque, which is good enough for a 0-50 kph spring of just 5.3 seconds.
As expected, the electric motor pulls instantly and at a reasonable pace. The throttle mapping is on the relaxed yet responsive side. It makes overtaking slower vehicles pretty easy while having the pace to keep up with bigger, more powerful vehicles. However, while you’ve come to expect EVs to be quiet, the VF 3 does make the presence of its electric motors felt. Even the winding of the regenerative braking, whenever you step on the brake pedal, is heard. All of these noise sources aren’t too obtrusive, though. It’s just something that you’ll notice as part of the experience.
On the subject of noise, the VF 3’s road and wind noise suppression is minimal, as expected in this segment. You’ll even hear the conversations of people outside the VF 3, but compared to the rest of the city EV segment, the VF 3 is already one of the quietest and most isolated. Likewise, in terms of ride quality, its short 2,075 mm wheelbase, MacPherson Strut front suspension, and simple Panhard Bar rear suspension can only do so much in terms of road imperfections. However, there’s a sense of handling and ride engineering development that actually went through the VF 3 relative to what its competitors offer. The 16-inch wheels that are bigger than anything else in its segment also give you confidence when dealing with some of EDSA’s pockmarked roads.
Flexible, Affordable Ownership
Finally, as for charging, this is where things get interesting. The VF 3 has DC fast charging, which allows its battery to go from 10 to 70 percent in just 36 minutes. With an 18.27 kWh battery that’s good enough for 210 kilometers of range, it only costs P218.88 to fully charge the VF 3, based on the January 2025 Mercalco rate of P11.7428/kWh. Topping it all off are the other benefits of owning an electric car, such as the cheaper maintenance due to being mechanically simpler than an ICE car, and of course, being exempt from number coding when going through major cities. For added convenience, a home charger is also included for every purchase of the VF 3.
Affordability is indeed the VinFast VF 3’s name of the game. Prices start at just P745,000, which, like the VF 5, puts it in line with other gas-powered compact city cars. However, you might be wondering if the battery’s life span is something to worry about. Well, the good news is, that EV batteries today, especially with the advent of advanced thermal management systems, will last the life of the car. That’s exactly why VinFast is confident of its 8-year battery warranty, because they can attest with the fact that its battery–a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) one at that, will last the life of the car. Besides, LFP is the newest innovation in battery chemistry today, as it’s touted for its unparalleled durability and especially, thermal safety.
The VinFast VF 3 doesn’t just make the EV switch affordable, but with its compact size but generous space, as well as its rugged and stylish looks, this adorable crossover SUV makes a big statement. Oh, and that statement now comes in a diverse palette that includes Infinity Blanc, Crimson Red, and Jet Black; while the Premium selection includes Zenith Grey, Urban Mint, Summer Yellow, Sky Blue, and Rose Pink. No wonder then, that the VinFast VF 3 is called “The Tiny Titan” by the company themselves.
This feature article was created in partnership with VinFast Philippines.
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