Moving people toward electric
VinFast has entered a big auto segment, and it means business
TRULY, THE multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment is surely one of the key battlegrounds in the Philippine mobility market. Filipinos are famously known for large extended families and a healthy circle of friends and, perhaps more crucially, we basically like to move in groups. Hence, for a brand with ambition and visions to drive volume, it is important to be in this segment.
Vietnam-headquartered battery electric vehicle specialist VinFast is clearly one of those marques wanting to establish not just a foothold in the Philippines but to realize a significant presence for the long haul. As it continuously grows its model lineup and its dealership network in the Philippines, VinFast recently moved decisively into the segment we mentioned, which, incidentally, accounts for some 20% of total auto sales in the country.
Of course, you don’t even need me to tell you that the uptick in interest in electrified models is no small way caused by the Middle East conflict that is driving up pump prices around the world.
Earlier this month, the Vietnam-headquartered battery electric vehicle specialist officially launched the simply — and appropriately — named VF MPV 7 — only the third international market to sell this model.
The MPV 7 is priced affordably, from P1.239 million, if you opt into the company’s battery subscription program. If you want one with your own battery, that price is P1.518 million — still not bad. As an expression of its comparatively affordable price tag, you know that it’s targeting to move units — and maybe undercut more than a few competitors along the way. Speaking of, it is sized similarly to a Toyota Innova (the clear leader in the segment), the MPV 7 stretches 4.74 meters, is 1.872 meters wide, and is 1.734 meters tall. It must be said that the model is predicated on the more spartan Limo Green — a purpose-built model for deployment as a ride-hailing vehicle or taxi.
Inside, the MPV 7 is a study in minimalism — deploying a single 10.1-inch touchscreen to subsume both infotainment features and instrument cluster goodies. Call it muscle memory or old-fogey concerns; I kind of miss the traditional two-display configuration. Having said that, you get a very unencumbered view from behind the steering wheel, helped along with Rear Parking Assist and a 360-degree camera. The dash is also freed from a glut of buttons. You do get lots of those on the tiller, and VinFast has grafted the gearshift stalk onto the steering wheel column as well. There’s a USB-C charging here in front, as well as a USB-A port which not only recharges but accesses your content for expression via the sound system. Also present is a standard 12-volt socket.
VinFast says its engineers and designers purposefully went for space in the MPV 7, developing around so-called “golden ratio” parameters by “pushing the wheels toward the corners to optimize cabin space.” The front fascia, on the other hand, dons the now-familiar VinFast aesthetic with V-shaped LED daytime running lamps. As for wheels, the model receives 19-inch alloys wrapped in 235/50s.
The MPV 7 deals space in spades. With all seatbacks up, users get 126 liters. Folding the third row forward grows that number to 606 liters; if you really need a lot of room, 1,240 liters will be the final total if you fold the second-row seatbacks, too.
The second row is a great place to be, offering comfortable seating, adequate legroom and headroom, and a floor bereft of a hump for even better space. There is a pair of dedicated air vents here, as well as USB-A and USB-C charge points.
Again, it’s immediately obvious that the MPV 7 is configured to maximize space and practicality — ensuring comfort for all occupants, including those in the third row. I tried sitting there, and it’s clearly not for my size though. A couple of kids should certainly have a fine time back there, as there are cupholders on either side, plus dedicated ceiling-mounted A/C vents.
Cargo capacity reaches up to 1,240 liters, providing flexibility for both daily use and long-distance travel. The VF MPV 7 is equipped with an electric motor delivering 150kW of power and 280Nm of torque, paired with a 60.13-kWh lithium-ion battery. The combo will enable a driving range of up to 450 kilometers on a full charge under NEDC standards. Fast-charging capability can get the battery from 10% to 70% state of charge in approximately 30 minutes, ensuring flexible operation in real-world conditions. Top rate is 140kph, and the MPV 7 gets from a standstill to 100kph in 10 seconds – nothing to write home about, but this vehicle is not engineered for sprightliness but, rather, practicality.
Behind the wheel of the MPV 7 at the Vinpearl Resort and Spa in Nha Trang, Vietnam, the vehicle is responsive as electric vehicles are wont to be, but there’s nothing jarringly abrupt about its performance. The well-paved roads, of course, do not reflect real-world (i.e. everyday Manila) usage, but at least gave us a feel for its demeanor. Regenerative braking settings can be adjusted (through the infotainment screen), so you can adjust this to your liking or driving habits to unlock more kilometers from the battery.
The second row proves comfortable as well, with soft seats complementing the pliant, road-imperfection-soaking ride (which might just be the pristine roads at Vinpearl).
At any rate, the bottom line is clear: the VF MPV 7 is a true contender in the segment, particularly for value seekers ready to go all-in on all-electric mobility. It’s hard to top the skillset/price combo on this offering. Buoyed by its success in its home country, where it has held the leading position in overall car sales (not just EVs) for more than a year and a half now, VinFast is leveraging the considerable girth of the Vingroup to which it belongs in order to get ahead in the game.
To further sweeten the pot, VinFast Philippines promises free charging at V-Green stations across the Philippines until March 2029. Each purchase of a VinFast vehicle also comes with a seven-year/160,000-km vehicle warranty. The battery, on the other hand, has an even better 10-year/200,000-km warranty.
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