There’s something about small cars. Whether it’s the likes of kei cars or micro EVs, they never fail to tug at the heartstrings of consumers around the world. And if you think about it, the Philippines is lucky enough to be the first international market for VinFast to launch its VF 3 mini electric SUV.

Preorders are open for the VF 3 from September 19 to 30, and they come with a few special perks. For one, there is a P40,000 discount, meaning it will cost P605,000 with a battery subscription (from P645,000), and P705,000 with the battery included (from P745,000). Deliveries will commence starting in the fourth quarter of this year.

The adorable VF 3 measures 3,190mm long, 1,679mm wide, and 1,622mm tall. It has a ground clearance of 191mm, and it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, perfect for our pockmarked streets.

For September 19 to 30, the five premium colors will be free of charge (which will cost an additional P20,000 after), with four standard colors also available. But if that’s not enough, VinFast is also allowing early customers to paint their cars in any color for P40,000 as long as they preorder it within this period.

The interior does not feel bare-bones with a singular 10-inch screen that contains your digital speedometer and media needs (with no smartphone mirroring), a lone USB-C port, and a center control stack for your climate control, door locks, hazard button, and window switches.

Four people can sit inside the fabric-upholstered cabin, and the rear bench can fold down to accommodate up to 285L of cargo.

The car is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor with a power output of 43hp and 110Nm, with an 18.64kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery that’s capable of going up to 210km on a single charge. Topping up the battery is done via a Type 2 port, and it can also fast-charge from 10% to 70% in just 36 minutes.

Monthly battery subscription fees start at P2,800 per month if you travel less than 1,500km; P3,800 if you travel between 1,500km to 2,500km; and P6,300 if your usage sees you moving more than 2,500km every month. This also comes with free maintenance and battery replacement if the capacity drops below 70%.

Finally, the car comes with a seven-year/160,000km warranty, alongside an eight-year unlimited-mileage battery warranty for those who purchased the vehicle with the battery.