Vietnamese car-maker VinFast has launched the battery-electric 2024 VF7 in its home market, slotting the all-new EV into the popular mid-size SUV segment as it looks to expand its presence in key export markets.
Measuring 4545mm long, 1890mm wide, 1636mm tall and riding on a 2840mm wheelbase, the Toyota RAV4-sized 2024 VinFast VF7 offers 190mm of ground clearance and seating for five within its sleek and aerodynamic body.
Two versions are being offered in its home market, with the entry-level Base variant starting from 999 million dong ($A62,585) and featuring a 130kW/250Nm electric motor mounted directly to the front axle.
It draws power from a 59.6kWh battery pack, which yields a WLTP-verified cruising range of up to 375km.
Standard equipment highlights on the Base include a 12.9-inch infotainment interface, vegan leather seats, a head-up display, flat-bottomed steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, connected services, virtual assistant and a 360-degree camera.
The higher-end VF7 Plus starts from the equivalent of 1.99b dong ($A124,710) and ups the ante with a 260kW/500Nm dual-motor powertrain sustained by a bigger 75.3kWh battery that provides an official range of up to 431km – and stronger performance.
Spending the extra coin also nets buyers a two-tone interior, bigger alloy wheels and a panoramic glass roof.
Europe and North America are priority export markets for VinFast, but don’t rule out an Australian introduction.
There’s no green light yet, however the brand is expected to eventually emerge Down Under.
After all, it carried out a significant amount of vehicle development here before it closed its Melbourne R&D centre in 2021, when it also scaled back engineering work at the former Holden Lang Lang proving ground it purchased from General Motors.