In the automotive journalism and media industry, Tran Huy Thang is a familiar face and an accomplished photographer. Having test-driven almost every model available in the Vietnamese market, Thang possesses extensive knowledge and experience with a wide range of vehicles, from luxury cars to affordable options, and from gasoline-powered to hybrid and electric vehicles.
As soon as the VinFast VF 3 pre-orders were announced, Thang was one of the first to place an order, despite not having owned any VinFast models previously. Even more surprisingly, he arrived for our interview appointment in a vibrant and cheerful VF 3, painted in a bright yellow that resembled a Minion on the streets of Vietnam. Let’s hear from Thang about this one-of-a-kind VinFast VF 3 Minion-themed car.
Hello Thang, your Minion-style VF 3 certainly makes a strong impression. It seems you weren’t a fan of VinFast models before. So, what made you purchase the VF 3?
Hello readers, I’m Huy Thang, a journalist and automotive photographer. Currently, I drive a gasoline-powered, high-clearance 5-seater for my daily commute and trips to my hometown. I bought the VF 3 as a second car purely out of personal interest, and also as a surprise gift for my wife. With this little car, my wife and I can use it independently for work in the city, short trips, or picking up our children from school, as it’s incredibly compact and convenient for urban environments.
Thang with his new VinFast VF 3
When it comes to choosing a small and convenient city car, have you considered the Wuling MiniEV? Why did you opt for the VinFast VF 3 instead?
I did consider the MiniEV when it was first released, but after seeing it in person, I wasn’t impressed. However, when VF 3 released their demo version, I decided to wait for it. I prefer Vietnamese-made cars and support local brands.
Besides your preference for Vietnamese products, do you think a fair comparison would show which vehicle is safer, better, and more convenient for the price?
To be fair, I wasn’t entirely convinced by VinFast’s level of refinement with their previous product range. However, with the VF 3, due to its low price point and fewer intricate details, along with the manufacturer’s experience and improvements from previous models, I believe it has fewer risks of defects and is very well-refined. I rate the VF 3 higher than the MiniEV in terms of design, features, safety, and convenience.
What are your concerns and expectations when using the VF 3?
My biggest concern is charging, as I’m transitioning from a gasoline car, and I’m not yet accustomed to using an electric vehicle. I’m a bit worried about the overload at public charging stations. Fortunately, I can charge my car at my workplace, which has ground-level parking, and a 5-6 hour slow charge during work hours is usually enough.
What excites Thang the most about the VF 3 is its compact size, affordability, and the ease of modifying it like a personal toy to express his personality.
What excites me the most is that it feels like a toy, it’s not expensive, and it’s easy to modify. Its compact size is perfect for short trips around the city. Even before taking delivery of the car, I already had various unique modification ideas to make this car stand out and reflect my personality.
You spent nearly 300 million VND on a car primarily for “fun modifications.” Can you share your ideas and the modifications you’ve made to the car?
Everyone has their own hobbies, and mine is cars. I may not have the means to modify supercars, but I can have fun with a more affordable option like the VF 3. Ever since I placed my order, I’ve been envisioning different and unusual modification styles for the VF 3 that align with its unique character. I want my car to stand out and be unlike any other.
For this Minion 1.0 version, I’ve made the following modifications:
– Roof rack for style and increased cargo capacity when needed
– LED lights for the front grille
– Plastic painting and Minion-themed stickers, including a pair of jeans
– Rim covers with yellow-themed stickers
– Yellow-themed tire lettering and decorations
– Interior decorations in matching colors
Yellow-themed tire lettering and decorations
Plastic painting and Minion-themed stickers, including a pair of jeans
– The most distinctive feature, true to the Minion theme, is the headlight shaped like the eye of the beloved Minion character, Stuart. This headlight will change brightness as the car moves at night, not for illumination but to bring the Minion to life.
Regarding registration, removing the lights and roof rack is straightforward, and the next inspection isn’t due for another five years, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the modifications. The total cost of these upgrades is also very reasonable, at less than 30 million VND.
Driving this modified VF 3 is a completely different experience from any other car, be it an off-roader or a luxury vehicle. It’s adorable, eye-catching, unique, and certainly a head-turner on the road.
Finally, do you have any advice for those considering purchasing the VF 3?
My advice is to only buy it if you fully understand the car and have a genuine need for it. In my opinion, it’s best to own a primary car that suits the whole family’s needs. The VF 3 is more suited for personal use.
The VF 3 excels in city driving and short commutes, like going to school or work, especially on scenic routes. However, on rough roads in rural or remote areas, extra caution is necessary. Damage to an electric vehicle can be surprisingly costly if we accidentally damage the battery.
Regarding flooding, it’s essential to be cautious when driving through flooded areas. Even though the battery and motor have an IP67 water-resistant rating, it’s best to avoid water levels higher than half the wheel height.
As both a user and an industry insider, do you think the VF 3 has the potential to become a national car?
Thank you, Thang, for this fascinating conversation.
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