VinFast VF 3, an ultra-compact electric SUV, launches in India in 2026 at an expected ₹6–8 lakh ex-showroom with 43 bhp, 210 km claimed range and boxy off-roader styling.
Key facts
- Expected price: ₹6–8 lakh ex-showroom
- Launch: 2026
- Motor: 43 bhp, 110 Nm; battery 18.6 kWh
- Range: 210 km claimed (likely ~150 km real-world)
- Size: 3,114 mm long, 1,679 mm wide, 191 mm ground clearance
- Rivals: MG Comet EV ₹7.98–9.98L, Tata Punch petrol ₹5.70L+
Vietnamese automaker VinFast plans to launch its smallest electric vehicle yet, the VF 3, in India later this year with a bid to undercut the MG Comet EV by as much as ₹2 lakh. The four-seater micro-SUV, which is expected to be priced between ₹6-8 lakh ex-showroom, boasts a distinct boxy design, 191 mm ground clearance and a claimed range of 210 km on its 18.6 kWh battery. VinFast has not announced trim variants or booking dates yet; expect a single or two-variant lineup closer to launch.
Price and positioning: India's cheapest electric SUV?
The VF 3 is expected to start from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh ex-showroom and will slot below the MG Comet EV’s current ₹7.98-9.98 lakh band. On-road prices will add state road tax, registration and insurance; check your RTO for exact figures. VinFast has not revealed a variant walk-up or trim-wise pricing; a single or two-spec lineup is likely given the urban micro-EV brief. For context, petrol rivals like the Tata Punch (₹5.70–10.67 lakh) and Nissan Magnite (₹5.65–11.13 lakh) offer five seats and bigger boots, but the VF 3 counters with zero tailpipe emissions and rock-bottom running costs.
Powertrain and real-world range
A rear-mounted motor makes 43 bhp and 110 Nm (pulling power for city sprints). The 18.6 kWh lithium-ion pack delivers a claimed 210 km on a single charge, likely measured on the ARAI or MIDC cycle, which means you should expect roughly 150 km in mixed real-world driving (city stop-go eats more; highway cruising stretches it). VinFast India hasn’t revealed the DC fast-charge and AC wall box times, or 0-100 km/h acceleration. Those specs should come closer to launch. The running cost comes down to around ₹1-1.5 per km charging at home (vs ₹6-9/km for petrol), saving you ₹3,000-4,500 a month at 1,500 km usage. NO central cash subsidy on electric cars, only state level road-tax and registration waivers which vary by RTO. Battery warranty details have not yet been revealed. The ex-showroom sticker excludes charger hardware and installation, so budget an extra ₹15,000–25,000 for a home wallbox.
Design, features and safety
The VF 3 measures 3,114 mm long and 1,679 mm wide, shorter than a Maruti Alto, yet its 191 mm ground clearance and boxy silhouette give it an SUV stance. Inside, four adults fit on manually adjustable fabric seats; the rear bench folds flat to expand luggage space. Infotainment is a 10-inch touchscreen and there’s NO separate driver cluster or head-up display, all info comes from the centre screen. Other kit includes manual air-conditioning, keyless entry, a two-speaker audio system, D-cut multifunction wheel and a USB charging point. The large 16-inch steel wheels are wrapped in rugged black cladding, while the upright LED headlamps are flanked by a gloss-black panel with VinFast’s V-shaped chrome accent. Airbag count and Bharat NCAP crash-test results are yet to come, expect at least two airbag as a minimum. The colour options will be announced at launch.
Rivals and verdict
The VF 3 takes on the MG Comet EV, which costs roughly ₹2 lakh more and offers a similar ~200 km range in a four-seat package. Petrol micro-crossovers like the Tata Punch (₹5.70 lakh+), Nissan Magnite (₹5.65 lakh+) and Hyundai Exter (₹5.81 lakh+) deliver five seats and bigger boots but lack electric efficiency. The VF 3 fits city commuters doing under 50 km daily and second-car buyers chasing low running costs. The catch? VinFast's India service footprint is tiny, just a handful of showrooms and service centres so far. See how near it is to the nearest outlet, and wait for owner reviews after launch before you book. At ₹6 lakh, if the network grows, the VF 3 could be a quirky, frugal urban runabout. Otherwise, the established support for the MG Comet makes more sense.
References: VinFast India — official website
