Mahindra-owned Pininfarina designs Vietnam’s first global sedan & SUV
Vietnam’s first automobile brand VinFast has revealed its global sedan and SUV. Mahindra-owned Pininfarina has designed these concept models.
The VinFast sedan and SUV show off the brand's signature design elements. Both models have a front fascia with a large hexagonal grille in which the brand’s chrome ‘V’ logo sits proudly high-up in the centre, a chrome splint to the emblem’s right that combines with the LED DRLs to create an italicised F-motif, and large air inlets. The SUV features low-mounted LED fog lights and a skid plate to show off its purposefulness and rugged nature.
“The strong, distinguishable design, enhanced by elegant lines and refined details, gives our cars several distinctive highlights,” says David Lyon, Director of Design, VinFast.
While the latest global industry norm is designing coupe-like rooflines and sleek greenhouses for a more dynamic look, VinFast’s models take the traditional approach. At the rear, the wraparound combination lamps stretch halfway across the tail to meet the V logo in the centre.
The VinFast sedan and SUV ride on a platform borrowed from BMW. The engine for the executive models also comes from the German automaker. Officially, no details are available yet, but reports say that the company will offer 175 bhp and 227 bhp versions of the BMW N20 unit-based 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol mill, in conjunction with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Customers will have an AWD system option in both models.
Deliveries of the yet-to-be-named VinFast sedan and VinFast SUV will commence in Vietnam in September 2019. Production will take place in Cat Hai, Hai Phong, northern Vietnam. A wide range of other passenger vehicles, including city cars and electric cars, are also under development.