Golf, Lynk & Co 08 EM-P and Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual

Three new car models are about to be launched in Vietnam at the end of October, emphasizing performance and technology: Golf ranges from eTSI to R 4Motion, Lynk & Co 08 EM-P is a PHEV with an electric range of about 200 km, Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual is more off-road oriented.

The Vietnamese automobile market closed October in a bustling atmosphere with a trio of new products: Volkswagen Golf (6 versions, from eTSI to R 4Motion), Lynk & Co 08 EM-P using a plug-in hybrid powertrain and Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual focusing on off-road capabilities. Each model follows a separate technical philosophy, but in general, they all focus on performance and technology, promising to heat up already highly competitive segments.

According to official information and from the distributor, Lynk & Co 08 EM-P will be launched on October 24 (expected price 1.4-1.5 billion VND), Volkswagen Golf will be released on October 31 (expected price 800 million-1.9 billion VND) and Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual will be added at the end of October (expected price is about more than 800 million VND).

Design language and identity

Lynk & Co 08 EM-P: Visually Bold Coupe-SUV

In the D-SUV/crossover segment, Lynk & Co 08 has a coupe-SUV style, elongated LED headlights and T-shaped positioning lights. The overall size as introduced is slightly larger than the Hyundai Santa Fe but still smaller than the Ford Everest, showing that the positioning is more inclined towards urban flexibility than the bulkiness of a separate chassis SUV.

Lynk & Co 08 will join the D-SUV segment, which includes Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe... Photo: Tasco

Volkswagen Golf: Compact hatchback, focusing on practicality

The Golf remains faithful to the compact C-size hatchback design. This is a car configuration that is oriented towards practicality, easy to handle in the city, and is also a suitable platform to expand the performance range from eTSI to GTI/R.

Volkswagen Golf has just been scheduled to launch on October 31. Photo: VW Vietnam

Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual: Emphasizing off-road qualities

The AWD Individual version retains the same appearance as the J7 Flagship and J7 PHEV but adds four-wheel drive and 7 multi-terrain driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud, Offroad), clearly showing off-road orientation.

Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual is the off-road version. Photo: OJV

Cabin experience and technology

Interior information: varying levels of disclosure

The interior details of the Golf and Lynk & Co 08 in Vietnam have not been specifically announced at the time of launch. With the Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual, the equipment mentioned includes a head-up display (HUD), a driver monitoring system (DMS) and a 540° camera simulating the chassis, useful when going off-road. The dashboard layout, materials and other amenities of the three models will need to wait until the car is officially launched.

Specifications and operating feel

Lynk & Co 08 EM-P: Large capacity PHEV, wide range of use

The Lynk & Co 08 EM-P uses a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that combines a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine and two electric motors, for a total output of 345 horsepower and a maximum torque of 580 Nm. The nearly 40 kWh battery pack allows for a pure electric range of about 200 km; when combining both gasoline and electricity, the total distance can reach about 1,400 km. The CMA Evo platform (shared with several Volvo and Geely models) promises high stability and chassis refinement.

Volkswagen Golf: Wide range of performance

The Golf product line in Vietnam includes 6 versions. Three 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid 48V versions reach 148 horsepower and 250 Nm, with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Two GTI versions use a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine, 242 horsepower, 370 Nm torque, also combined with a 7-speed DSG transmission. The pinnacle is the Golf R Performance 4Motion with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine, 315 horsepower, 420 Nm torque, 4Motion four-wheel drive and high-performance brakes.

Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual: Enough power, more confidence when turning

J7 AWD Individual uses a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine, 183 horsepower, 275 Nm torque, 7-speed automatic transmission. AWD drive system with 7 driving modes helps expand the range of usage conditions; Snow/Sand/Mud/Offroad modes are the difference compared to the familiar front-wheel drive configuration in the segment.

Car model	Version/Engine	Capacity	Torque	Drivetrain/Transmission	Note
Lynk & Co 08 EM-P	PHEV 1.5L + 2 motors	345 horsepower	580 Nm	Not stated/Not stated	Battery close to 40 kWh; EV ~200 km; total ~1,400 km
Volkswagen Golf	1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid	148 horsepower	250 Nm	FWD/7-speed DSG	Effective, balanced
Volkswagen Golf GTI	2.0 TSI Turbo	242 horsepower	370 Nm	FWD/7-speed DSG	GTI performance tradition
Volkswagen Golf R Performance	2.0 TSI Turbo	315 horsepower	420 Nm	AWD 4Motion/7-speed DSG	High performance brakes
Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual	1.6L turbocharged	183 horsepower	275 Nm	AWD/7-speed automatic	7 multi-terrain driving modes

Safety and driving assistance

The Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual has an ADAS package with 20 safety features, 7 airbags, DMS and a 540° camera – useful equipment for both urban and off-road operations. As for the Lynk & Co 08 and Volkswagen Golf, safety configuration details in Vietnam have not been widely announced at this time; NCAP ratings, if any, will be updated after the product is officially launched.

Price, positioning and competition

Lynk & Co 08 EM-P

Tasco Auto plans to distribute two versions (standard and premium) with prices ranging from 1.4 to 1.5 billion VND. In the D-SUV segment, the 08 EM-P will compete with popular rivals such as Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner, KIA Sorento, Mazda CX-8, etc. The difference lies in the large capacity PHEV system, creating a difference in fuel costs and flexible operating range.

Volkswagen Golf

Estimated price 800 million - 1.9 billion VND, imported from Germany. In the C-size hatchback segment, the Golf has almost no direct competitors other than the Mazda3 Sport in terms of body structure; however, performance variants such as the GTI and especially the R Performance 4Motion can compete with the Honda Civic Type R, Mercedes-AMG A35 and BMW 118i in terms of power and driving feel.

Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual

The expected price is around 800 million VND. J7 AWD belongs to the crowded C-SUV group, competing with Ford Territory, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, KIA Sportage, Hyundai Tucson... The advantage of this version is the AWD system and 7 terrain modes - a rare configuration in the expected price range.

Quick Conclusion: Who should wait for which model?

• Lynk & Co 08 EM-P: Suitable for users who need a D-class SUV with a significant pure electric range (about 200 km) and a long total distance. Advantages: 345 horsepower, 580 Nm torque, nearly 40 kWh battery, CMA Evo platform. Need to clarify: safety configuration in Vietnam and detailed interior equipment.
• Volkswagen Golf: Wide range of configurations to meet many needs, from the balanced 1.5 eTSI to the high-performance R Performance 4Motion. Pros: diverse transmission technology, 7-speed DSG, optional AWD. Considerations: expected price ranges up to 1.9 billion VND depending on the version.
• Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual: Focuses on off-road capabilities in the C-SUV range. Advantages: AWD, 7 terrain modes, 20-feature ADAS, 7 airbags, HUD, DMS. Need to wait: official selling price and actual experience in long-term operation.

The dense launch schedule at the end of October shows the strategy of diversifying choices at many price ranges. When the detailed parameters and configuration of the Vietnamese version are fully announced, the comparison picture will be clearer in terms of equipment criteria, active safety, performance and long-term usage costs.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/golf-lynk-co-08-em-p-va-jaecoo-j7-awd-individual-10308839.html