The Indian electric SUV market is about to get another interesting addition. Vietnamese giant VinFast is already making its presence felt in both passenger and commercial segments. But the automaker seems to be missing from a very important space in the Indian market. Yes, we are talking about the sub-compact SUV segment. That being said, Vinfast is expected to make its entry in this segment with the VinFast VF 5. This new compact SUV has recently been spotted being tested. The compact electric SUV is expected to sit between the Tata Punch EV and Nexon EV, putting it right in the middle of one of India’s most competitive EV segments.
New VinFast VF 5 Spotted In India
The upcoming VinFast VF 5 was recently spotted testing around Bengaluru. With the heavy camouflage, we know VinFast has kept many things under wraps. However, from the silhouette, it looks quite different from the VF 5 currently sold in other markets. The spotted model is believed to be the second-generation VF 5. In Vietnam, the same model is known as the Herio Green, while VF 5 is the name used for private buyers in global markets.
Even under the camouflage, the changes are easy to notice. The new model has a more upright stance and a cleaner SUV profile. The bonnet is now designed as a clamshell unit, while the familiar D-pillar treatment still gives away its VF 5 identity. The test car was running on steel wheels, which appear to be around 16 inches in size, although the production-spec SUV could get larger 17-inch alloy wheels. At the back, the connected LED taillights are another major change, giving the compact SUV a more modern appearance.
A More Mature-Looking Electric SUV
VinFast seems to have taken a different approach with the second-generation VF 5. The current model has a softer and more rounded appearance, whereas this new version looks sharper and more grown-up. The front-end design is still mostly hidden, but the slimmer projector headlamps are visible through the camouflage. The LED DRLs are also expected to sit above them, although the exact design will only become clear once the camouflage comes off.
The changes continue at the rear. The tailgate and both front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, while the new connected tail-light setup gives the SUV a wider visual stance. For a car that will be aimed at urban buyers, this more mature design could work well. It also gives VinFast a chance to make the VF 5 feel like a proper SUV rather than simply a small electric car with a raised stance.
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Compact Dimensions For Indian Roads
The new VF 5 is expected to stay below the four-metre mark, which is important for its positioning in India. The second-generation model measures 3,967 mm in length, 1,723 mm in width and 1,579 mm in height. It gets a 2,514 mm wheelbase and around 160 mm of ground clearance.
On paper, those dimensions make sense for the Indian market. It is small enough to feel comfortable in crowded city traffic, while the SUV body should provide a reasonably spacious cabin. The longer wheelbase should also help with interior space, especially for rear passengers. This is where the VF 5 could appeal to buyers who want something compact but do not want to compromise too much on everyday practicality.
Interior Gets A Big Change
The cabin of the new VinFast VF 5 also appears to be a major step forward. The current model has a more swooping dashboard design, but the new version gets a flatter layout with a rectangular free-standing infotainment screen. There is also a new steering wheel, which should make the cabin feel more contemporary.
A floating centre console and front centre armrest can also be seen in the spy images. VinFast could offer a TFT instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a sunroof and rear AC vents on the production version. These features have not been officially confirmed for India yet, but if they make it to the final car, the VF 5 could have a strong equipment list for its segment.
Battery, Motor And Range
The existing VF 5 gives us some idea of what to expect from the new model. The current version is offered with 29.6 kWh and 37.23 kWh battery options. It uses a front-wheel-drive electric motor that produces up to 134 bhp. Depending on the battery, the claimed range is around 260 km or 326 km.
These figures, however, should not be considered final for India. VinFast could make changes to the battery pack, motor setup or software before bringing the new-generation model here. A longer range would certainly make sense because Indian EV buyers are becoming more demanding when it comes to highway usability and charging stops. If VinFast can combine a decent range with a competitive price, the VF 5 could have a strong starting point.
Tata Punch EV And Nexon EV Rival
This is perhaps the most interesting part of the upcoming VinFast VF 5. The company is not entering an empty segment. The Tata Punch EV has already established itself as a popular compact electric SUV, while the Nexon EV sits a step higher and attracts buyers looking for more space and range. Mahindra’s XEV 3XO EV is another upcoming model that will add more competition.
The VF 5 could sit neatly between the Punch EV and Nexon EV. That positioning gives VinFast an opportunity to attract two types of customers. Someone upgrading from a smaller EV could look at the VF 5 as their next car, while a buyer who finds the Nexon EV slightly too large or expensive could also consider it. But pricing will be the key. The features and range may attract buyers initially, but VinFast will need an aggressive price to make people seriously consider it over established Tata products.
Expected Launch In India
VinFast has been expanding its India portfolio, and the new VF 5 could become an important part of that strategy. The company has already launched the VF 6 and VF 7, but a smaller and more affordable model would allow it to reach a much wider group of buyers. The second-generation VF 5 could reportedly make its India debut by the end of 2026, although VinFast has not officially confirmed the launch date yet.
There is still plenty that needs to be confirmed before the launch. The India-spec battery pack, claimed range, charging capabilities, features and pricing are all expected to be revealed closer to the launch. Localisation will also be important if VinFast wants to keep the final price competitive. In a segment where Tata already has a strong advantage, the VF 5 will need more than just a good-looking design to make an impact.
What To Expect From The New VinFast VF 5?
The second-generation VinFast VF 5 looks like a much more serious product than the current model. It gets a sharper exterior, a more modern cabin and a compact size that suits Indian roads. The existing model’s 134 bhp motor and up to 326 km claimed range also give us an early indication of what the new SUV could offer, although the final India-spec specifications could be different.
For VinFast, the biggest challenge will be getting the positioning right. The VF 5 has the potential to become a strong alternative to the Tata Punch EV and Nexon EV, but it will need the right combination of price, range, features and ownership support. If VinFast gets those things right, this small electric SUV could become one of the more interesting new EV launches in India.
For now, the test mule is still wearing heavy camouflage, and there are plenty of details left to uncover. But the message from VinFast is already quite clear. The company wants a bigger share of India’s mainstream EV market, and the upcoming VF 5 could be the model that takes it directly into the fight with the country’s most popular compact electric SUVs
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