VinFast VF 5: top 3 reasons to buy

VinFast entered the Philippine market sometime in 2024. And since then, the Vietnamese electric car manufacturer has been looking to replicate the success it enjoyed domestically. 

For those interested in finding out what the brand has to offer, we bring to the spotlight one of its more affordable product — the VF 5. Is this crossover worth the money? Here are three reasons that might change your mind: 

Built for city life 

The VinFast VF 5 is an electric vehicle (EV) that is clearly built for the metro, where its small form factor and decent ground clearance will help many a city dweller. 

First, let’s check out its dimensions: 

Length, width, height (in millimeters [mm>)	3,976 x 1,723 x 1,579
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,514
Ground clearance (in mm)	160

Based above table, the VinFast VF 5 measures slightly smaller than the Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet. Its measurement makes it a good ride to use when squeezing through tight traffic. Similarly, finding a parking spot that can accommodate its compact body will relatively be easy. 

Further, its good ground clearance means that it can handle potholes and speed bumps quite well.  

Next, the VinFast VF 5 has undoubtedly good road presence. Its unique fascia and rear end can catch the attention of motorists and bystanders alike. 

At the fore, the electric car sports a prominent chrome “V” badge accompanied by flowing chrome trims on each side. Clustered together are its halogen headlamps, daytime running lights, and turn signals — unlike other segment contenders that have its illumination system scattered on the vehicle’s fascia. 

It is worth noting that the automobile’s headlamps have automatic functionality, which can help when passing through dimly-lit tunnels or when driving at dusk. 

Completing its clean look is a plastic bumper. 

The side profile of the VinFast VF 5 gets black claddings on the wheel arches, as well as on the side sills and the bottom portion of the door. These plastic coverings help protect the electric crossover from road debris, motorcycle handlebars and foot pegs, as well as other hard materials that would scratch and dent a bare panel. 

It also has black-trimmed side mirrors with repeaters, black pillars, and a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped with 205/55 radial tires. 

Behind, the VinFast VF 5 has a discreet spoiler with a high-mount stop lamp, a rear glass that could have been a tad larger, and a manual (but hydraulically-assisted) tailgate decorated with the company’s badge bordered by long reflectors. 

The lower portion of its back end sports a chunky bumper where the taillamps are weirdly positioned. Close to it are reflectors for added visibility. 

Finally, if you need more proof that the VinFast VF 5 is perfect for the city life, the Nerio Green, which is very similar to the VF 5, is the choice model of Green GSM — a taxi service that provides emissions-free service for Filipinos in the metro. 

Other stories:  Let’s look at the 7 available colors of the Toyota Hilux Here are the JMC Vigus' 2 options in PH Check out the Omoda C5's 3 trims

Easy-to-maintain interior 

One way to look at the VinFast VF 5’s hard plastic-littered interior is that it’s easy to maintain. Unlike cabins of other vehicles that are fitted with soft-touch trims, leather upholstery, and other delicate material, the surfaces offered by the Vietnamese electric crossover requires only little effort to remove dirt and grime. 

This makes it an ideal choice for people who may not have the time to religiously clean their car — or even to take them to their local detailer for some TLC (tender loving care). 

Drivers will be welcomed by a plastic steering wheel with some multi-functional controls. The dashboard and the door cards share the same material, which — judging by how it feels to the touch — has a characteristic that leans more towards longevity rather than luxury. 

The same goes with its leather-like seat cover and the material used for the boot of the manual hand brake lever. These evoke the idea of durability instead of the plush and comfortable feel genuine leather is known for. 

On the flip side, keeping the interior clean is as easy. The hard surfaces can easily be wiped down with a clean cloth with some aftermarket restorers. Likewise, owners won’t have to be too careful with the seats as they can probably withstand some chemical products. 

Some notable amenities offered by the VinFast VF 5 include the below technologies: 

• Digital instrument cluster 
• Eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity 
• Digital air conditioning system 
• PM 2.5 air filter 
• Rotary gear shifter 

Decent electric powertrain 

Propulsion for the VinFast VF 5 comes from a single electric motor powered by a 38.4 kilowatt-hour battery. The said setup produces the following numbers: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower)	134
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	135

The said table translates to adequate performance in the city, with stop-and-go traffic. The electric motor is capable of smoothly pushing the car forward while its disc brakes offer passable stopping power. 

The author has driven the VinFast VF 5 from the south (Santa Rosa, Laguna) to Bonifacio Global City where its city driving capabilities were tested. 

While on the freeway (South Luzon Expressway), the electric car also performed decently and had no problems zooming to reach the toll road’s speed limit. 

In terms of range, the VinFast VF 5 also offers some decent numbers. A single charge can make it run up to 326 kilometers. 

Think the VinFast VF 5 is worth your money?  Check out our exclusive promo for the model.

Price 

The VinFast VF 5 is offered with a flexible price tag. When bought with a battery subscription program, it will set back new adopters back some P880,000. When purchased without battery subscription plan, its price goes up to P1.05 million. 

Also read: 

VinFast VF 5: highs and lows

Cabin check: What’s inside the VinFast VF 5?

Here are VinFast VF 5's color options

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