Last year, Vietnamese car brand VinFast unveiled a new mini SUV called the VF 3, and it is to electric power what the Suzuki Jimny is to internal-combustion engines. After its world debut at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, fresh units started rolling out in August for its home customers, and Filipino customers might get their hands on one soon.

Measuring 3,190mm long with a 191mm ground clearance, it has a modest power figure of 40hp and maximum torque of 110Nm from a single-motor 18.64kWh battery pack. It is also good for up to a 215km journey on a single charge.

Packed inside is a 10-inch screen that serves as both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment display with physical climate knobs for simple and tactile controls.

VinFast Philippines has announced that the VF 3 will be priced below P800,000, a bargain compared to its immediate rival, the Baojun Yep. VinFast aims to sell 20,000 units by the end of the year, so its local launch date might arrive in the coming months to meet those demands.