A VinFast VF e34 with Malaysian registration has been spotted on the roads, according to WapCar. Images of the vehicle are currently being circulated on WhatsApp groups in the country.
Last month, a VinFast VF e34 with temporary plates was seen arriving in Malaysia. This appears to be the same car, but now with official registration plates.
The official registration indicates that VinFast has obtained the necessary “Type Approval (VTA)” for the vehicle to be legally driven in Malaysia. This procedure ensures that all registered vehicles meet strict safety criteria.
VinFast’s plans to enter the Malaysian market have been known for some time. After impressive launches in Indonesia and Thailand, the arrival of the VF e34 in Malaysia suggests that it could be the next market for the Vietnamese automaker.
The Malaysia Auto Show will take place from May 22-26, and it is unclear if VinFast intends to launch the VF e34 at the show, similar to its launches in Indonesia and Thailand.
WapCar Malaysia has compared the VinFast VF e34 to the BYD Dolphin, indicating that the Vietnamese SUV will compete with the Chinese offering in the Malaysian market.
The BYD Dolphin is priced at RM 542,000 in Malaysia and is considered one of the most affordable electric vehicles (with official distribution) in the country, second only to the Neta V.
The VinFast VF e34 has similar dimensions to the BYD Dolphin but is significantly taller. It measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,768 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. It is equipped with a 41.9 kWh LFP battery, offering a driving range of up to 319 km (NEDC). The front motor produces 148 hp and 242 Nm of torque.
Additionally, the Indonesian-spec VF e34 has fewer convenience features than the Vietnamese model (such as fabric seats instead of leather and the absence of collision sensors), which also contributes to a lower price. If VinFast offers a lower price in Malaysia compared to Vietnam, it is likely that the VF e34 in Malaysia will also have reduced features.