VinFast VF 3 EV launched in Indonesia, RM62k – 40 hp/110 Nm, 215 km NEDC – free charging for 3 years

Previously shown at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) as part of a broader VinFast brand launch in Thailand, the VinFast VF 3 has now been officially launched in Indonesia. The compact electric SUV is priced at 227.65 million rupiah (RM62,171) in the republic.

For VF 3 customers in Indonesia, VinFast is offering free vehicle charging at V-Green operated VinFast charging outlets in the country until March 1, 2028. Deliveries of customer units are expected to begin in April this year, according to VinFast.

Measuring 3,190 mm long, 1,679 mm wide and 1,652 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,075 mm, the VF 3 has a ground clearance of 175 mm and a turning circle diameter of nine metres. Very compact indeed, and is in fact considerably shorter and lower (though wider) than the three-door Suzuki Jimny which measures 3,480 mm long, 1,645 mm wide and 1,720 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,250 mm.

It doesn’t get two driven axles, however. Powertrain for the VF 3 is by a permanent magnet synchronous motor driving the rear wheels, outputting 40 hp and 110 Nm of torque. This propels the VF3 from 0-50 km/h in 5.3 seconds and 0-100 km/h – which is also its top speed – in 19 seconds.

Energy is stored in a 18.6 kWh (usable) battery that yields a maximum of 215 km of range on the NEDC testing standard (the newer WLTP standard will yield a lower figure), and DC fast charging via CCS2 connection brings a 10-70% top up in 36 minutes, according to VinFast. The VF 3 also includes a 3kW portable charger.

Chassis-wise, the VF 3 suspension layout gets MacPherson struts in front and a rigid axle with a Panhard rod at the rear. Stopping is by disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the rear – the parking brake is electronically actuated – while rolling stock is a set of 16-inch tyres on steel wheels.

The VinFast VF 3 is a four-seater with a folding second row of seats; luggage capacity is 36 litres with the seats up, or up to 285 litres with the rear seats folded down. The VF 3 is rated for a maximum payload of 300 kg, and its roof can take a maximum of 50 kg.

Both driver and front passenger seats are manually adjusted, and the steering wheel is a D-shaped multi-function unit. Infotainment is by a single, 10-inch centrally mounted touchscreen, while hardware connectivity is by a single USB-C port; also on are Bluetooth, WiFi and eSIM support, along with FM radio. Audio output is via a two-speaker setup.

The VF 3 gets a mobile app, along with vehicle charging management, and user profiles to record driving statistics. Air-conditioning controls are by physical rotary dials located below the air vents. Air-conditioning is manual, single-zone.

Safety kit on the VinFast VF 3 includes ABS, EBD, traction control and hill start assist, while passive safety kit is by a single airbag for the driver. Other safety functions include the emergency signal system, speed-sensitive door locks, audio and visual seat belt reminder, immobiliser, theft alarm, and an acoustic alerting system for pedestrians.

The VinFast VF 3 is now on sale in Indonesia in a single specification, priced at 227.65 million rupiah (RM62,171).

The post VinFast VF 3 EV launched in Indonesia, RM62k – 40 hp/110 Nm, 215 km NEDC – free charging for 3 years appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.