Exploring the VinFast VF 6's pros, cons

The VinFast VF 6 is positioned by the brand’s local arm as a bridge between the more Spartan VF 5 and the cushy and premium models such as the VF 7. Nevertheless, it starts at P1.249 million with the VinFast Battery Subscription, making it highly accessible as an all-electric ride. 

On that note, the VF 6 has a lot of potential in the Philippine market, where the typical car buyer is always thinking about value, or how much “car” they can get for their money. 

However, does the VinFast VF 6 have any weaknesses buyers should be aware of? Also, what are its key strengths? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Strong driving performance

To note, Zigwheels Philippines recently had the opportunity to drive and review the VinFast VF 6. Specifically, we took the ride on a day-long event with other media practitioners from Caloocan City to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 

From the said experience, one definitive strength of the VinFast VF 6 is how easy it is to drive. It has good forward visibility, crisp handling with little to no body roll, and direct-feeling steering. All of these qualities make it a good contender for both in-city and highway driving. 

At maximum, the top-spec VF 6 Plus can generate up to 201 horsepower and 310 Newton-meters of torque - plenty enough for its curb weight of 1,962 kilograms. With that kind of output, performing overtakes is done with a cinch. Getting up to speed from traffic stops is likewise a breeze. 

Range too is a strong point for the car. For its top-spec Plus variant, it can cover up to 480 kilometers (km) from a single full charge. The said range is more than enough for a couple of days commuting within the city. 

Plus, the vehicle gets a particularly strong regenerative braking system, which isn’t a full-blown one-pedal driving system, mind you, but has enough power to bring the car to a stop with enough space. 

Charging the car is likewise relatively convenient. Sure, topping it up isn’t as instantaneous as fossil-fuel rides, but its direct-current (DC) port can increase its state of charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 29 minutes. 

Other noteworthy mechanical components of the VinFast VF 6 include front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension systems, front and rear disc brakes, and a front-wheel-drive layout. 

Loads of amenities

Likewise a key point of the VinFast VF 6’s desirability is the sheer amount of creature comforts packed into its cabin. This is particularly noticeable on the Plus variant.

For starters, its roomy five-seater cabin is equipped with an automatic air-conditioning system, leather-upholstered seats, and front and rear armrests.

Notably, the model’s dash was designed to be minimalist. Otherwise, it gets a 12.9-inch infotainment system equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This display doubles as the car’s digital gauge cluster, and is the main control surface for many of the vehicle’s in-car functions. 

Specific to the driver of the VF 6 is a head-up display, an electronic parking brake, and a neatly arranged gear selector system with individual buttons for park, drive, and neutral - among others. 

Finding one’s preferred driving position was likewise made easy thanks to power-adjustable front seats. Other noteworthy interior features include a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a six-piece sound system, USB ports, an air-ionizer system, and a fold-flat function for the rear cabin. 

The outside portions of the car get a lot of toys as well. Examples of these include a lineup of LED lighting fixtures, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels - among others. 

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Plenty of safety gear

Would-be buyers of the VinFast VF 6 will also appreciate its abundance of safety gear. 

For its passive set of safety features, the model comes with eight airbags, anti-lock braking, front and rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, tire pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and rearview parking camera.

It also has a lineup of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), which include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Front and rear emergency braking
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Lane centering assist
• Emergency lane keep assist
• Blind spot detection

Cons

Screen dependence

One notable downside of the VinFast VF 6 is its heavy reliance on its touchscreen. As mentioned above, many of its in-car features are controlled by the said display. This includes its air-conditioning system - a creature comfort that many drivers will want to have easy and safe access to without having to fiddle around with a screen while driving. 

As a consolation, the vehicle does get some steering-wheel-mounted controls, specifically for its audio player and its cruise control system. 

VinFast VF 6: specifications

Model	VinFast VF 6 Plus
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,214x1,834x1,580
Wheelbase (mm)	2,730
Ground clearance (mm)	170
Wheel size	19-inch alloy
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Head-up display Electronic parking brake Tilt and telescopic steering column Front and rear cabin armrests Automatic air-conditioning Six-piece speaker set Manual-adjust front seats Fold-flat rear seats Air-ionizer
Infotainment system	12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Electric motor setup	Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Range	480 km (NEDC)
Battery size	59.6 kWh
Horsepower	201
Torque	310 Nm
Technology
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Front and rear emergency braking Rear-cross traffic alert Lane departure warning Lane centering assist Emergency lane keep assist Blind spot detection
Safety	Eight airbags Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Traction control Hill-start assist Front and rear parking sensors Reverse camera Tire pressure monitoring ISOFIX
Price	P1.409 million (with battery subscription)

Final thoughts

In summary, the VinFast VF 6’s strengths are more than enough to cover its one weakness. And judging by its price, it can provide great value for the buck, especially considering that VinFast is now providing free electric vehicle (EV) charging until March 2029. 

Do you like what you see from the VinFast VF 6? If you do, don’t hesitate to visit the nearest VinFast dealership and ask to take this model out for a test drive. 

Also read:

VinFast Limo Green: strengths, weaknesses

All-electric MPV battle: BYD eMAX 7 vs. VinFast Limo Green

VinFast V7: 4 reasons to buy

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