The Vietnamese automotive market concluded October in a vibrant atmosphere with a trio of new products: the Volkswagen Golf (6 variants, from eTSI to R 4Motion), the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and the Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual focusing on off-road capabilities. Each model follows its own engineering philosophy, but all prioritize performance and technology, promising to heat up already highly competitive segments.
According to official information and from the distributor, the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P will launch on October 24th (expected price 1.4–1.5 billion VND), the Volkswagen Golf is scheduled for October 31st (expected price 800 million–1.9 billion VND), and the Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual will be added at the end of October (expected price around over 800 million VND).
Design language and identity
Lynk & Co 08 EM-P: Visually stunning coupe-SUV
In the D-SUV/crossover segment, the Lynk & Co 08 boasts a coupe-SUV style, elongated LED headlights, and T-shaped daytime running lights. Its overall dimensions are described as slightly larger than the Hyundai Santa Fe but still smaller than the Ford Everest, suggesting a positioning that leans towards urban versatility rather than the bulkiness of a body-on-frame SUV.
Volkswagen Golf: A C-segment hatchback, prioritizing practicality.
The Golf remains true to its compact C-segment hatchback design. This configuration prioritizes practicality and maneuverability in the city, while also serving as a suitable platform for expanding the performance range from eTSI to GTI/R.
Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual: Emphasizing off-road capabilities.
The AWD Individual version retains almost the same appearance as the J7 Flagship and J7 PHEV but adds all-wheel drive and 7 multi-terrain driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud, Offroad), clearly indicating its off-road orientation.
Experience the cabin and technology.
Interior information: varying levels of disclosure
Interior details of the Golf and Lynk & Co 08 in Vietnam have not been specifically announced at the time of launch. For the Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual, the listed features include a head-up display (HUD), driver monitoring system (DMS), and a 540° camera simulating the undercarriage, useful for off-road driving. The dashboard layout, materials, and other amenities of the three models will need to be discussed after the official launch.
Specifications and driving feel
Lynk & Co 08 EM-P: High-capacity PHEV, wide range of uses.
The Lynk & Co 08 EM-P uses a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain combining a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine and two electric motors, delivering a total output of 345 horsepower and a maximum torque of 580 Nm. The nearly 40 kWh battery pack provides a range of approximately 200 km on pure electric power; when combining both gasoline and electric modes, the total range can reach around 1,400 km. The CMA Evo platform (sharing the same ecosystem with some Volvo and Geely models) promises high levels of stability and chassis refinement.
Volkswagen Golf: A wide range of performance options.
The Golf product range in Vietnam comprises six versions. Three versions are 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid 48V, delivering 148 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Two GTI versions use a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine, producing 242 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, also with a 7-speed DSG transmission. The top-of-the-line model is the Golf R Performance 4Motion, featuring a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering 315 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, along with 4Motion all-wheel drive and high-performance brakes.
Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual: Plenty of power, added confidence when turning.
The J7 AWD Individual uses a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine, producing 183 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system and 7 driving modes expand the range of driving conditions; the Snow/Sand/Mud/Offroad modes are a distinguishing feature compared to the familiar front-wheel drive configuration in this segment.
| Car model | Version/Engine | Power | Torque | Drivetrain/Transmission | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynk & Co 08 EM-P | 1.5L PHEV + 2 motors | 345 horsepower | 580 Nm | Not stated/Not stated | Battery capacity is nearly 40 kWh; EV range is approximately 200 km; total range is approximately 1,400 km. |
| Volkswagen Golf | 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid | 148 horsepower | 250 Nm | FWD/DSG 7-speed | Efficient, balanced |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | 2.0 TSI turbocharged | 242 horsepower | 370 Nm | FWD/DSG 7-speed | GTI performance tradition |
| Volkswagen Golf R Performance | 2.0 TSI turbocharged | 315 horsepower | 420 Nm | AWD 4Motion/DSG 7-speed | 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 driver assistance
The Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual features an ADAS package with 20 safety features, 7 airbags, DMS, and a 540° camera – useful equipment for both urban and off-road driving. For the Lynk & Co 08 and Volkswagen Golf, details of the safety configurations in Vietnam have not been widely released at this time; NCAP ratings, if available, will be updated after the official launch.
Pricing, positioning, and competitors
Lynk & Co 08 EM-P
Tasco Auto plans to distribute two versions (standard and premium) priced at 1.4–1.5 billion VND. In the D-SUV segment, the 08 EM-P will compete with popular rivals such as the Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner, KIA Sorento, Mazda CX-8… The difference lies in its large-capacity PHEV system, creating a difference in fuel costs and flexible driving range.
Volkswagen Golf
Priced at approximately 800 million–1.9 billion VND, imported from Germany. In the C-segment hatchback category, the Golf has virtually 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 over 800 million VND. The J7 AWD belongs to the crowded C-SUV segment, competing with the Ford Territory, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, KIA Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, etc. The advantage of this version is its AWD system and 7 terrain modes – a rare configuration in this price range.
Quick conclusion: Who should wait for which model?
- Lynk & Co 08 EM-P: Suitable for users needing a D-segment SUV with a significant all-electric range (approximately 200 km) and a long overall driving range. Pros: 345 horsepower, 580 Nm of torque, nearly 40 kWh battery, CMA Evo platform. Further clarification needed: safety configuration in Vietnam and detailed interior features.
- Volkswagen Golf: A wide range of configurations to meet various needs, from the balanced 1.5 eTSI to the high-performance R Performance 4Motion. Pros: diverse powertrain options, 7-speed DSG transmission, AWD option. Cons: expected price range up to 1.9 billion VND depending on the version.
- Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual: Focuses on off-road capability within the C-SUV segment. Pros: AWD, 7 terrain modes, 20 ADAS features, 7 airbags, HUD, DMS. Things to wait for: official pricing and real-world driving experience over extended periods.
The packed launch schedule at the end of October shows a strategy of diversifying options across various price ranges. Once the detailed specifications and configurations of the Vietnamese version are fully released, a clearer comparison will emerge regarding equipment, active safety, performance, and long-term ownership costs.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/golf-lynk-co-08-em-p-va-jaecoo-j7-awd-individual-10308839.html
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