Design – Ewing VinFast of Plano

There is no doubt that VinFast faces challenges in the US. It is a new brand name from a country that has never made cars for the US before, and it is an EV, which many US buyers still view with skepticism. MotorWeek, the first and longest-running automotive television review magazine, checked out the VF 8 for themselves. Ewing VinFast of Plano shares their thoughts.

MotorWeek briefly discussed the history of VinFast’s entry into the United States, including the plans for the North Carolina plant. They plan to build both cars and batteries, but it has been delayed due to market headwinds for EVs.

To set the stage, MotorWeek noted that the length of the VF 8 is about midway between the shorter Volkswagen ID.4 and the longer Honda Prologue. They tested the VF 8 Plus, the more powerful of the two VF 8 trims, with 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. As with all EVs, all that torque is available the instant the motor starts turning. They point out the 235-mile range of the Plus model and the 235-mile range of the Eco, and mention that VinFast states a 10-70% charge rate of 31 minutes. 

They highlight the VF 8’s “unmistakable Italian flair” as a result of its Pininfarina-designed exterior. While noting that its minimalist dashboard features a large 15-inch center screen for controls, they mention that the absence of a traditional gauge cluster is offset by the bright color head-up display and numerous steering wheel controls, which reduce the need to reach for the screen for basic functions.

Cargo space, a key factor for crossovers, benefits from rear seats that fold flat, and there’s frunk space where the engine isn’t. Notable for a new manufacturer, MotorWeek found no obvious fit and finish issues.

On the road, they found that the VF 8 delivers smooth and quiet power, and the regenerative braking is well-adjusted with a very natural feel. Sport mode definitely provides a quicker throttle response. In terms of ride and handling, there are no major flaws. However, car reviewers often prefer a sportier feel than the VF 8 offers, although its comfort-focused tuning should suit most people. 

Finally, they mention the warranty, which covers 10 years or 125,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper. Such extensive warranties helped build trust in Korean vehicles among a skeptical US public, and we’ve all seen how Hyundai and Kia have grown since then. Overall, MotorWeek found the VF 8 to be an attractive vehicle with good performance and a smooth ride, along with a great warranty. If you want to check out the new player in town, test drive the VF 8 at Ewing VinFast in Plano. 

Leasing a Tesla used to be the easiest electric vehicle decision a customer could make, mainly because it was the only real EV on the road for a number of years. Add in the Tesla-only Supercharger Network, and it was pretty much a done deal when shopping for your first or your tenth electric car. Now, though, more car manufacturers are making better EVs than ever, and young companies like VinFast are engineering and building competitive cars within the first few years of production. Throw in the fact that there are nearly 200,000 public charging ports in the United States, and there’s never been a better time to ditch a Tesla and check out what’s out there.

A Tesla Doesn’t Age So Well

There are many reasons not to buy or lease another Tesla that go beyond the current political landscape and any opinions of Elon Musk you may have. While a Tesla is still a good car, it has gotten a little long in the tooth in terms of styling. The Model Y and Model X, especially, have not aged well from a design standpoint. The Model X was the first major 3-row electric SUV out there, but now VinFast makes the VF9 that doesn’t look like a design accident.

A Historic Design Company

Instead of developing their electric vehicles around a modern theme that EVs must be radically different looking to conventional gas-powered cars, VinFast took a different approach by looking to famed Italian car designer Pininfarina to craft the essence and beauty of the VF8 and VF9. While some may balk at the idea that a design firm founded in 1930 can dictate the future of EV design, it should be noted that almost every automobile on the road since the 1950s owes some part of its design to a car Pininfarina created. They’ve only styled some of the most influential and beautiful vehicles ever for Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, Maserati, Volvo, Jaguar, of course VinFast, and more.

A Tesla Warranty Isn’t So Special

A key reason to move away from a Tesla and into a VinFast is the warranty. Tesla’s battery warranty is eight years and anywhere from 100,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the car you have. That’s weird, don’t you think? So, if you buy a rear-wheel drive Model 3 or Model Y, they only warranty the battery up to 100,000 miles? That seems like it’s saying something about what they believe will happen to that car, because an all-wheel drive Model 3 or Model Y has a 120,000-mile warranty for the battery, and the Models S and X and the Cybertruck carry a 150,000-mile warranty. Makes complete sense… to no one.

A VinFast Warranty Is Special

VinFast gives every EV in their current lineup a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty, as well as a 10-year, 125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Every Tesla has a 4-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty. That’s the same warranty duration and mileage luxury gas-powered car manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz give their cars. That means Tesla doesn’t consider itself better than the status quo. VinFast believes in their cars so much they’ll prove how good they are by offering the best EV warranty in the world.

Teslas are Pointlessly Fast, VinFast Cars Are Usefully Fast

It has been well established at this point that all Teslas are fast. Realistically, they are faster than they really need to be. A ludicrously fast 0-60 time is great and all, but the real world has traffic lights. Going from traffic light to traffic light at breakneck speed and pace is neat the first few times you do it, but it eats up your battery range and gets boring after a while. And some passengers get ill from it. The VinFast VF8 and VF9 models weren’t meant to be speed demons, but they’re also not slouches in any sense of the word. The VF8 Plus can reach 60 mph in roughly 5 seconds, which is faster than a Honda Civic Type R at 5.3 seconds. The Civic Type R is a Bonafide sports car with a hot hatch that can beat Porsche 911s around racetracks. The VF8 beats it in a straight line. The VF9 is also competitive, boasting a 6.5-second 0-60 time. Two of the bestselling gas-powered, 3-row SUVs on the market, the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander, both get to 60 mph in about 7-7.5 seconds. Sure, the VinFast vehicles aren’t setting land speed records, but they are also faster than the average traffic.

Sony RIDEVU

One thing that you will not be able to get in any current Tesla model is Sony RIDEVU. RIDEVU allows passengers in the VF8 and VF9 to stream 2,000 different Sony-owned movies and TV shows either on the main infotainment screen when the vehicle is in park or on any device that is connected to the in-car WiFi.

VinFast Lease Specials

In the end, one of the biggest reasons buyers should look more closely at a VinFast is the price. When looking into leasing, the VF8 absolutely can’t be beat with its $199 per month for a 36-month lease special, with just $1,943 due at signing. The 3-row VF9 is just as stellar. With $2,000 due at signing, you’ll only pay $529 per month.

Why You Should Choose Ewing VinFast

At Ewing VinFast of Plano, we have the best prices on dozens of new VinFast EVs and used cars. Our well-educated sales staff and finance department will happily assist you with your EV questions and needs. Our fantastic service department will ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition.

We look forward to serving you.

Tag: Design

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