A new Vinfast showroom recently opened up in San Mateo, in the Bay Area. I went to visit on a Friday evening, and I was able to sit inside their demo vehicle and gather some notes. I will need to take some pictures the next time I'm there. I saw the VF8, which definitely seems to be modeled after the Y. The Vinfast website lists a VF9, which is supposed to be a 3-row SUV.
- There was just 1 car in the showroom. The salesman there said that it was a prototype, but it already had around 1000 miles on it.
- The exterior definitely had some panel gap issues, though the salesman said it was because it was just a prototype.
- The front of the car is quite large -- quite a bit bigger than the Tesla Y I think, and it felt bigger than cars like the ID4.
- It has a decent sized front trunk. Not as deep as the Tesla Y, but pretty wide. It's more of a reach to access I think, because of the higher front.
- The hood gives you nice easy access to things like the air filter, washer fluid, and other things you might need to maintain on an EV.
- The trunk space seems to be shorter than the Y. I think the space is taller, but I'll need to go in with a tape measure to be sure. There was also bottom storage below the trunk space, just like the Y. However, it isn't quite as deep, and it was used to store what might have been a deflated compact spare along with tire inflation kit.
- The infotainment is also clearly inspired by the Y. There isn't a dash cluster (will need to check for HUD projector next time), there's very few buttons.
- The gear shifter is just a series of large buttons in the console between the seats. It's a bit of an odd choice.
- There doesn't seem to be quite as much headroom compared to the Y, especially in the back seat. I didn't have any problems as a 5-foot-11 person, but there isn't as much extra space.
- Part of the reason is that the car has a large glass roof, but the roof doesn't extend nearly as far to the sides compared to the Y. It cuts off right above your head, so half your head is just under a regular roof, giving you less room. I think it is a mistake in their design.
- The backseat itself is very deep and pretty tall. I think tall people will be able to have their thighs fully supported and comfortable.
- For some reason, the rear seat floor isn't flat, and there's a big hump in the middle like a transmission tunnel. It reminded me of the Polestar 2's backseat. The salesman said it was for ventilating the battery. I have no idea if it's true, but it's still a negative.
- The interior quality itself feels pretty good, but nothing too special either.
- The car is going to have a battery subscription model that you *must* subscribe to. This might drive off lot of potential buyers. However, I can see it working out if they price the car much lower and market the subscription the right way. The service will replace your battery any time it drops below 70% capacity, which removes the worry about the battery needing replacement out of warranty.
