The Vinfast VF8 is.... trying

Auto Focus

26 Mar 202414:20

Summary

TLDRIn this review, the VinFast VF8 electric crossover SUV is scrutinized for its design, features, and performance. While the VF8 offers a spacious interior, good cargo space, and modern amenities like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it falls short in driving dynamics and software quality. The car's exterior design is noted for its mixed influences, and the interior, though simple, uses lower-quality materials. The reviewer compares it to the Fisker, finding the VF8 less buggy but still lagging in certain aspects typical of a new entrant in the EV market. The recommendation is to consider more established models, but the future potential of VinFast in the EV industry is acknowledged.

Takeaways

🚗 VinFast VF8 is an electric crossover SUV with similarities to the Fisker but with its own unique features.
🔌 The VF8 offers two trims, Eco and Plus, with the Plus version providing more horsepower.
💰 Price for the VF8 starts in the mid-40s thousand dollars, with the Plus model costing around 50 thousand dollars.
🔑 Key features include a power opening and closing lift gate, providing ample space for utilities.
🔋 The vehicle offers good charging equipment room and a full spare tire, which is a fundamental aspect not always seen.
💡 The interior has a mix of vegan leather and plastic materials, with a simple layout and physical volume knob.
📱 The car supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with heated and ventilated front and rear seats.
🚀 VF8 has a simple interior with an interesting HUD feature, which is a positive aspect compared to some other EVs.
🎮 The software interface is intuitive but has an outdated appearance, reminiscent of a 2013 Kindle Fire.
🚗 The car's driving dynamics are not as refined as its competitors, with issues like a programmed delay in throttle input and vague steering.
🤔 The reviewer questions the value proposition of the VF8 when compared to more established EV models or depreciated flagships.

Q & A

What is the VinFast VF8 and how does it compare to the Fisker in terms of user experience?
-The VinFast VF8 is an electric crossover SUV that has recently entered the US market. It is similar in size to the Tesla Model Y and shares some similarities with the Fisker, but it is a different vehicle. The reviewer found the Fisker to be the worst car experience they've ever had, but they did not want to make this review solely about the Fisker.
What are the notable features of the VinFast VF8's exterior design?
-The VinFast VF8 has a somewhat complicated front end, with headlights and blinkers positioned there, along with DRLs and a VinFast logo in the middle. From the side, it appears to be a reasonably attractive vehicle, with shades of the Ford Mustang in its tail lights. It has a normal-looking hatchback at the rear.
What are the two trims of the VinFast VF8 and how do they differ in terms of performance?
-The VinFast VF8 comes in two trims: Eco and Plus. The Eco trim has less horsepower compared to the Plus trim, which offers a bit more power.
What is the price range for the VinFast VF8?
-The VinFast VF8 starts in the mid-40s in terms of thousands of dollars, with the Plus trim costing around 50,000 dollars.
What are some of the positive aspects of the VinFast VF8's interior and features?
-The VinFast VF8 has a power opening and closing liftgate, providing a good amount of space for utilities. The back seats can lean back for comfort, and there is a large glass sunroof. There are also 90-watt USB-C charging ports and additional USB-A ports for devices. The car comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as heated and ventilated front and rear seats.
What are some of the criticisms about the VinFast VF8's interior materials and design?
-The interior of the VinFast VF8 uses vegan leather, which is not of the best quality and does not feel great. The door and other areas have cheap-feeling plastic. The design is very simple and is compared to an old Android tablet or a Kindle Fire from 2013, with a somewhat cartoonish and colorful interface.
What are the key issues with the VinFast VF8's software and user interface?
-The software in the VinFast VF8 is described as having a layout similar to an old Android tablet, with a somewhat cartoonish and colorful interface. The frame rate of the cameras is low, and there is little difference between the normal and sport driving modes. The car also has a programmed delay in throttle input, which takes away from the instant torque that is usually associated with electric vehicles.
How does the VinFast VF8 perform in terms of driving dynamics?
-The VinFast VF8 is not a fun car to drive dynamically. It has a delay in input response, and the steering is very vague. The suspension has a lot of float, and the car does not perform as well as its competitors like the Ioniq 5, Model Y, Mustang Mach-E, or EV6.
What is the reviewer's final verdict on the VinFast VF8?
-The reviewer does not recommend the VinFast VF8 at the moment. They suggest that it is a new vehicle for a company that is new to the EV market and that VinFast will need to improve over time. The reviewer questions whether one should spend $50,000 on this car when they could get an older model S or a three to four-year-old car that is much more refined.
What are the charging capabilities of the VinFast VF8?
-The VinFast VF8 supports fast charging and is estimated to provide a range of 200 to 230 miles on a full charge, although the reviewer notes that this estimate may be optimistic.
How does the VinFast VF8 handle driver assistance features?
-The VinFast VF8 comes with normal driver assistance features that are common in electric vehicles. However, the reviewer finds them extremely annoying and recommends turning them off while driving the car.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Introduction to VinFast VF8

The video begins with a discussion about the VinFast VF8, an electric SUV that has recently arrived in the US. The reviewer mentions that while the Fisker review was his worst car experience, he does not want to focus on that but rather on the VF8. The VinFast lineup includes multiple SUV models, with the VF8 being a Model Y sized electric crossover. The VF8 shares some similarities with the Fisker but also has its differences. The car's design is described as having a good look, with a front end that is a bit complicated but features attractive headlights and DRLs. The vehicle is noted for its reasonable appearance from the front 3/4 angle, and the charging port is located at the front. Two trims of the VF8 are mentioned: the Eco and the Plus, with the Plus offering more horsepower. The price range for the VF8 is stated to start in the mid-40s thousand and the Plus model is around 50 thousand. The philosophy behind the VF8 seems to be to create a cost-effective vehicle, leading to a comparison between buying a new, cheap piece of technology versus a depreciated older flagship product.

05:01

🌟 Exterior and Interior Features of the VF8

The review continues with an examination of the VF8's exterior and interior features. The key is noted for its black and white design that matches the car, and the power opening and closing lift gate is highlighted as a good start. The back seat is described as having more space and a large glass sunroof. The reviewer appreciates the basic fundamentals of the interior, such as the headroom and the inclusion of charging ports. The seats are made of vegan leather, which is not poorly made but not of the greatest material. The front seat is described as roomy, and the steering wheel has real buttons, a feature the reviewer appreciates. However, the interior is criticized for its cheap feeling plastic and for having a normal switch with a plastic handle. The HVAC controls are real, and the wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, are noted as positives.

10:03

🔧 Critiques and Observations on the VF8's Performance

The final paragraph focuses on the quirks and performance aspects of the VF8. The key fob is described as unresponsive, and the car requires pressing a button to unlock. The software interface is compared to an old Android tablet, with a layout that is intuitive but has outdated graphics. The reviewer finds the cameras to have a low frame rate and the driving modes to offer little difference between normal and sport settings. The car's inputs are noted to have a delay, and the regen braking is uneven. The suspension is criticized for having too much float, and the steering is described as vague. The car's driving dynamics are not praised, and the reviewer suggests that there are better options in the market, such as a used Model S or a newer Model Y. The overall verdict is that while the VF8 is not the worst car, it is laggy and seems outdated for a modern EV. The reviewer advises against purchasing the VF8 at its current price point.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Vinfast VF8

The Vinfast VF8 is an electric crossover SUV that has recently entered the US market. It is a product of Vinfast, a new entrant in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The VF8 is notable for its size, which is comparable to the popular Tesla Model Y, and its price range starting in the mid-$40,000s. In the context of the video, the Vinfast VF8 is being evaluated against other EVs, particularly the Fisker, and its features, design, and performance are being critiqued.

💡Electric Vehicle (EV)

An electric vehicle, or EV, is a type of automobile that is powered by an electric motor that gets its energy from rechargeable batteries. EVs are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and the advancement in technology that has made them more affordable and practical. In the video, the Vinfast VF8 is an example of a new EV on the market, and its features and performance are being evaluated in the context of other EVs.

💡Interior Design

Interior design refers to the layout, materials, and overall aesthetic of the inside of a vehicle. It plays a crucial role in the user experience, affecting comfort, functionality, and the perceived value of the car. In the video, the reviewer comments on the Vinfast VF8's interior design, noting both positive aspects such as the spaciousness and the large sunroof, as well as negative aspects like the use of cheaper materials and the simplicity of the design.

💡Performance

Performance in the context of automobiles refers to how well a vehicle operates in terms of speed, handling, and overall driving experience. It is a critical factor for consumers when considering a car purchase. The video discusses the Vinfast VF8's performance, highlighting aspects such as throttle response, suspension tuning, and driving dynamics, which the reviewer found to be lagging compared to other EVs in its class.

💡Driving Dynamics

Driving dynamics encompass the sensations and responses a driver experiences while operating a vehicle, including aspects like acceleration, braking, steering, and suspension behavior. A car with good driving dynamics is typically one that responds accurately and predictably to driver inputs, providing an enjoyable and confident driving experience. In the script, the reviewer finds the Vinfast VF8's driving dynamics to be subpar, particularly noting issues with the throttle input, suspension float, and vague steering.

💡Infotainment System

The infotainment system in a vehicle is the combination of audio, video, and other entertainment and information systems built into the car. It typically includes features like navigation, radio, phone connectivity, and vehicle controls. The Vinfast VF8's infotainment system is discussed in the video, with the reviewer noting its simplicity and the use of a screen layout reminiscent of older Android tablets, as well as its functionality and user interface design.

💡Price Point

The price point of a product is the specific price at which it is offered for sale. It is a critical factor for consumers when making purchasing decisions, as it represents the value they receive in exchange for their money. In the context of the video, the reviewer discusses the Vinfast VF8's price point, starting in the mid-$40,000s, and compares it to other EVs and older models of more established brands, questioning its value proposition.

💡Vegan Leather

Vegan leather is a type of upholstery material that resembles leather but is made from synthetic materials rather than animal products. It is often used in vehicle interiors as a cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternative to genuine leather. In the script, the reviewer mentions the use of vegan leather in the Vinfast VF8's seats, noting that while it is a positive step for sustainability, the material quality does not feel as premium as it could be.

💡HUD (Head-Up Display)

A head-up display, or HUD, is a feature in vehicles that projects important information, such as speed and navigation instructions, onto the windshield or a separate display so that the driver does not need to look down at the dashboard. This enhances safety by allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road. The Vinfast VF8 includes an HUD, which the reviewer appreciates as a modern feature that contributes to a better driving experience.

💡Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is a system in electric vehicles that allows the car to recover and store energy during braking, which can then be used to power the vehicle, improving its efficiency. This type of braking can also slow the car down without the need for the traditional brake pads, a driving technique known as one-pedal driving. In the video, the reviewer comments on the Vinfast VF8's regen braking, noting that it is uneven and not as smooth or intuitive as they would prefer.

💡Driving Modes

Driving modes are different settings in a vehicle that adjust the car's performance characteristics to suit different driving conditions or preferences. These may include modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport, each altering aspects such as throttle response and handling. The script discusses the Vinfast VF8's driving modes, particularly the lack of noticeable difference between Normal and Sport modes and the reviewer's dissatisfaction with the car's programmed throttle delay.

Highlights

The VinFast VF8 is a new electric crossover that has similarities with the Fisker.

VinFast has a lineup of SUVs, including the VF5, 6, S, 8, and nine, with the nine being the largest three-row model.

The VF8 is sized similarly to a Model Y and aims to compete in the popular electric crossover market.

The exterior design of the VF8 has a mix of modern and traditional elements, with a front end described as 'complicated'.

The VF8 offers two trims, the Eco and the Plus, with the Plus having more horsepower.

The starting price for the VF8 is in the mid-40s, with the Plus model priced around 50,000 USD.

The VF8 includes a power opening and closing liftgate, providing good utility space.

The interior features a simple layout with physical volume knob and HVAC controls, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The front seats are heated and ventilated, a feature not always found in competing models.

The VF8 has a large glass sunroof, offering an open and spacious feel for passengers.

The car's software interface is intuitive but has an outdated appearance, reminiscent of a 2013 Kindle Fire.

The VF8 comes preloaded with various apps, including games like Asphalt 9 and Baja Big Air.

The car has a high frame rate camera issue, resulting in low-quality visuals.

The driving modes in the VF8, including normal, sport, and eco, offer little difference in performance.

The car's throttle input and chassis tuning are behind the times compared to other modern EVs.

The VF8's suspension has a surprising amount of float, and the steering is vague, leading to an unfulfilling driving experience.

VinFast, as a new entrant in the EV market, is expected to improve and refine their vehicles over time.

The reviewer does not currently recommend the VF8, suggesting that potential buyers consider more established models or brands.