“Vinfast VF 9: An Impressive Alternative to the Prado and Explorer?”

Below is the content of the 121st episode of “Trên Ghế” aired on May 22, 2025, on HTV9.

Buying 1 VinFast VF 9 is ordinary, but Mr. Vu Ngoc Hai bought 3. What prompted him to do so?

I’ve had a connection with VinFast since 2020. When VinFast launched the Lux A2.0 and Lux SA2.0 duo at the 2019 Vietnam Motor Show, I was intrigued but hadn’t decided to buy yet. As a business owner, I needed to consider various factors before making a purchase.

In 2020, when I test-drove the Lux A2.0, I was surprised by its sleek exterior, exhilarating driving experience, and overall excellence. My wife and I then went to see it in person and decided to buy our first VinFast car, the Lux A2.0.

When VinFast decided to transition from gasoline to fully electric vehicles, I was intrigued as a tech enthusiast. I found the VF 9 model stunning and curious, so I followed VinFast’s journey.

After using the Lux A2.0 for a while, I was confident in VinFast’s quality. Before buying the VF 9, I experienced the VF 8, which offered a fantastic experience with its powerful electric motor, giving me a sense of conquest. At that moment, I knew the VF 8 was the car for me, and I purchased it.

After experiencing the VF 8 and learning more about the VF 9, I noticed positive feedback from users. So, in September 2023, I decided to buy my first VF 9.

Owning the VF 9 has brought me numerous benefits. Firstly, it’s fuel-efficient. Secondly, I gained attention as one of the first owners of the VF 9. The car exudes sophistication, and people are intrigued by its appearance and interior.

After three months of ownership, my company decided to purchase another VF 9 in December 2023.

For our family car, we initially had a Mercedes-Benz GLC. But since we enjoyed the VF 9 so much, I decided to sell the GLC and switch to the 7-seater VF 9 late in 2024.

With three sons, we often have a lot of toys and gear when traveling. The GLC felt a bit cramped, but the VF 9 met all our needs. The 7-seater VF 9 is perfect for family use, while the other two 6-seater VF 9s serve business purposes.

Many people buy VinFast cars to support the Vietnamese brand. Would you have bought the VF 9 if the logo was hidden?

I think I would still have bought it for business purposes, but not three cars.

Some people say they buy VinFast out of patriotism, and while I affirm that we love our country, this factor accounts for only 10% of our purchase decision. More importantly, we consider the car’s performance and the value it brings.

Additionally, Vingroup is known for its diverse range of products. My family is a loyal customer; our children were born in VinMec hospitals, attend VinSchool, and we live in a VinHomes neighborhood.

So, even if it weren’t a VinFast, I would still buy the VF 9 to experience its beautiful design, excellent performance, fuel efficiency, and effective marketing.

How have you been using your three VinFast VF 9s so far? What’s your most memorable experience with them?

The first VF 9, purchased in September 2023, has covered nearly 100,000 km as of now. The second one, bought in December 2023, has reached almost 50,000 km.

As for the third VF 9, acquired at the beginning of this year, it has already clocked 10,000 km, including a cross-country trip. I plan to embark on at least one more cross-country journey during this summer.

Our most memorable achievement is conquering the four extremes of Vietnam in the VinFast VF 9. With two cars based in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, we decided to assign each car to conquer two extremes.

The Ho Chi Minh City-based VF 9 conquered the southernmost and easternmost points. While the journey to the southernmost point in Ca Mau was straightforward, reaching the easternmost point in Mui Dien, Khanh Hoa, required us to park the car at the beach and continue by boat.

Meanwhile, the Hanoi-based VF 9 tackled the northernmost and westernmost points. The journey to the northernmost point in Lung Cu, Ha Giang, was uneventful. However, the trip to the westernmost point in A Pa Chai, Dien Bien, demanded meticulous preparation, including arranging a specialized rescue vehicle to accompany us. Fortunately, the expedition concluded successfully.

What impressed you the most about the cost of owning and operating the VinFast VF 9?

This was one of the most significant factors in our company’s decision to invest in the VF 9.

As a market research firm, we travel frequently. Even a slight difference in fuel consumption can result in considerable cost savings over time.

In reality, even before VinFast introduced its free charging policy, I compared the VF 9’s efficiency with similar gasoline models. Rivals like the Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Explorer consume 12-15 liters per 100 km, whereas the VF 9’s electricity cost is equivalent to only 7-8 liters per 100 km.

The fuel efficiency advantage is enormous. So, when VinFast announced free charging, I decided to expand our VF 9 fleet.

Throughout your journeys, what impressed you the most about the VinFast VF 9?

I believe that my family business has maximized the VF 9’s potential in terms of performance and marketing.

When you buy a car that attracts attention, your customers will also be curious about it. I’ve achieved marketing benefits by owning a car that stands out and appeals to younger generations.

Regarding operating costs, VinFast’s free charging policy has further enhanced the VF 9’s value proposition.

The VF 9’s performance excites me while keeping me safe. On the road, a timely acceleration boost can make all the difference in avoiding collisions. Many highway accidents occur when a vehicle runs out of power during an overtake. But with the VF 9, the acceleration is instantaneous and responsive.

I shared this insight with VinFast salespeople: invite potential customers to test-drive the cars. That’s the most convincing strategy. Without a test drive, people rely on hearsay and external appearances, which may not provide an accurate assessment. My wife and I bought our first VinFast on a whim—we happened to pass by a dealership, test-drove the Lux A2.0, and were sold.

The VF 9 performs superbly on long-distance trips and excels on winding roads, offering a safe and stable driving experience. The regenerative braking system ensures smooth downhill driving without excessive brake pedal usage. The powerful electric motor easily handles steep climbs, a significant difference from gasoline engines. Additionally, the VF 9’s low center of gravity enhances stability on winding roads.

What do your family and partners think about the interior space of the VinFast VF 9?

My wife plays a crucial role in significant family decisions. From the beginning, she was impressed with the Lux A2.0’s spacious interior, unexpected in a sedan compared to our previous taller vehicles.

With the VF 9, she’s absolutely smitten. If she loved the VF 8, the VF 9 left her speechless.

Our children have also become VinFast fans. They know the cars inside out and can talk about their strengths. To them, cars and VinFast are synonymous.

It’s understandable that our older child, born in 2009, has a certain level of awareness. But even our younger son, born in 2015, has grown up with VinFast. Since gaining awareness, they’ve witnessed our family’s transition to VinFast vehicles.

Do you plan to buy more VF 9s in the future, making it your fourth or fifth VinFast vehicle?

Since buying our first VinFast, the Lux A2.0, followed by the VF 8, and now the three VF 9s, our company has experienced positive growth. If this trend continues, and our business expands further, requiring more employees, I may indeed purchase additional VF 9s.

Just owning one or two VF 9s has attracted attention from partners and customers. Many have posed for photos with our VF 9 during client visits. Acquiring a fourth or fifth VF 9 would not only enhance our operational efficiency but also provide significant marketing and communication benefits.

Thank you, Mr. Hai, for sharing your experiences with us.