Series of cars set to debut in Vietnam: Including both petrol and electric vehicles

In the last months of 2024, the Vietnamese car market promises to continue to welcome many new products. Some names are rumored to appear at the Vietnam Motor Show (VMS) in October, but some models have already been spotted on the streets.

Volvo EC40

Users shared images of a strange SUV Coupe-like vehicle spotted on a transport vehicle in Ho Chi Minh City. The photo does not clearly show the front, and the rear is carefully shielded, but the wheels have the Volvo logo.

Based on the design of these alloy wheels, experts believe this is the Volvo EC40. If it is launched later this year, it is likely to be the first pure electric model from the Swedish brand in Vietnam.

Volvo Vietnam has not confirmed the launch of the EC40, but the appearance of this model has been rumored since 2023 (Photo: Tran Duc).

Some sources indicate that the Volvo EC40 imported to Vietnam is a version equipped with an electric motor located on the rear axle. Compared to the international market, the expected specifications are 238 horsepower and 420Nm; the maximum range for a full charge is 483km.

In Europe, this electric vehicle also has a Long Range variant, with a maximum range of up to 555km; the power of the electric motor is also higher, up to 252 horsepower.

The Volvo EC40 is actually the C40 Recharge renamed to align with the brand's range of electric vehicles. The car is developed based on the CMA platform similar to the XC40 (Photo: Gia An).

It is not clear from which market the official sales of the Volvo EC40 will start. The price of this model is likely to be high, easily surpassing the 2 billion dong mark, according to experts' predictions.

In Thailand, this electric vehicle is distributed at a price equivalent to about 1.8 billion dong. However, the configuration of the EC40 in this market is quite powerful, with 2 electric motors located on the front and rear axles, generating a total power of 408 horsepower, and a maximum torque of 660Nm.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2024

After at least 2 Hyundai Santa Fe 2024s were spotted in Quang Binh with completely exposed exteriors, the official fan page of TC Motor posted a video hinting at a new product to be launched on September 18. Based on the "teaser" images, experts believe this is the new Santa Fe.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 unveiled in Quang Binh, even with a nameplate. The vehicle is likely used for filming activities before the launch (Photo: Phan Tung).

The dealer mentioned that the Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 will remove the diesel engine option that is common in the international market. The car will be available in 3 versions: Standard petrol, Premium petrol, and Turbo petrol; a hybrid variant may be added later.

A specification sheet believed to be from the Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 has been circulating on social media. According to this, the 2.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine option, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, produces 194 horsepower and 246Nm; the standard version uses front-wheel drive while the premium version uses HTRAC all-wheel drive.

The Turbo option uses a 2.5L turbocharged petrol engine, producing 281 horsepower and 422Nm. The transmission on this variant is a 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, combined with all-wheel drive.

These details have not been confirmed by TC Motor, but the 2 spotted Santa Fe 2024 models are equipped with features that align well with the specification sheet. Specifically, the 20-inch wheels on the white model and the 21-inch wheels on the black model.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 belongs to a completely new generation with a completely overhauled exterior, angular and rugged. However, the design of the rear of the car is a controversial detail (Photo: Phan Tung).

The actual interior of the Santa Fe 2024 in Vietnam has also been revealed. The notable new feature is the dual-screen setup, consisting of a digital instrument cluster linked to the central infotainment screen, both sized at 12.3 inches.

In the center of the car, there is a 6.6-inch touch screen that allows for the adjustment of some features such as internal/external air intake, cooling the front seats. The car still has mechanical rotary knobs to adjust the air conditioning, below which are 2 Qi standard wireless charging pads, and a USB Type-C charging port with a power of up to 27W.

Some expected convenience features that will appear on the Santa Fe 2024 in Vietnam include: 12 Bose speakers, Nappa leather seats, dual sunroof, digital rearview mirror, front seats with built-in footrests that can convert to a reclining position with a touch (Relaxation Seat).

Safety features are expected to be complete with the introduction of the Hyundai Smart Sense technology package (Photo: Phan Tung).

Kia Carnival 2024

The Kia Carnival 2024 is expected to be launched in Vietnam in October, according to some sales consultants. This information has not been confirmed by THACO, but the minivan has been spotted outside an emissions testing center in Hanoi at the end of July.

Notably, the Kia Carnival 2024 may be equipped with hybrid technology for the first time, according to information from the dealership. Experts believe this is plausible, as the spotted model uses alloy wheels with a design similar to the hybrid variant introduced in the Indonesian market.

Kia Carnival Hybrid 2024 in Indonesia and the spotted vehicle in Vietnam.

The overall shape of the Carnival 2024 is not expected to change much compared to the current model as it is a mid-cycle refresh. The new design mainly focuses on the front of the vehicle, but the interior undergoes a comprehensive overhaul with many design elements reminiscent of the Kia EV6 or EV9 electric models.

The interior design of the Kia Carnival 2024 focuses on the driver with a curved screen setup, consisting of a digital instrument cluster linked to the central infotainment screen, both sized at 12.3 inches (Photo: Paultan).

In this upgrade, the Kia Carnival 2024 for Vietnam is likely to retain the 2.2L diesel and 3.5L petrol engine options, as it is only a facelift.

Regarding the hybrid variant, the model in Indonesia has a powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing 242 horsepower and 367Nm. According to the manufacturer's announcement, this version consumes only 7.4 liters per 100km.