Emblem in the form of a Latin letter V on the hood or radiator grill of a Chinese car can belong to several brands at once - from premium electric cars to budget crossovers. Most often we are talking about brands VOYAH (subsidiary brand of Dongfeng), VENUCIA (a joint venture between Nissan and Dongfeng) or VINFAST (Vietnamese-Chinese manufacturer with production in China). At the same time the logo V does not always mean belonging to the same group of companies: each brand has its own history, target audience and technical platform.

If you see a car with such an emblem on the road or are considering a purchase, it is important to immediately determine which manufacturer it belongs to. For example, VOYAH specializes in premium electric vehicles with autopilot, and VENUCIA - on hybrid crossovers for the domestic Chinese market (although some models are officially supplied to Russia). Vietnamese VINFAST, despite being manufactured in China, positions itself as a global brand with an emphasis on safety and environmental friendliness. Let's figure out how to distinguish these brands from each other and what to look for when buying.

The difficulty in identification is aggravated by the fact that some Chinese cars with the emblem V do not have official dealers in Russia, and their technical documentation is often duplicated or translated with errors. For example, models VOYAH Free and VENUCIA V-Online similar in appearance, but built on different platforms: the first is based on ESSA (Dongfeng electric architecture), the second is on a hybrid platform Nissan CMF-C. This affects maintainability, the cost of spare parts, and even the maintenance procedure.

Which Chinese brands use the V emblem?

Letter logo V are actively exploited by at least three automakers with Chinese roots. They are easy to confuse, but each has unique features:

  • 🔋 VOYAH - premium sub-brand Dongfeng Motor, producing electric vehicles and hybrids. The logo is stylized as “infinity” (an inverted figure eight), but the main element is precisely V (from "Voyage" - travel). Models: Free, Dreamer, Passat (not to be confused with Volkswagen!).
  • 🌍 VENUCIA - joint venture Nissan and Dongfeng (DFL). Logo - V in an oval rim, often with blue backlight. Specialization: hybrid crossovers for Asia (V-Online, Star, e30).
  • 🇻🇳 VINFAST - Vietnamese brand, but all models (except VF e34) are made in China. Logo - V with a horizontal line (symbolizes “speed and stability”). Popular models: VF 8, VF 9 (electric crossovers).

Separately worth mentioning Haval (Great Wall sub-brand), which on some models (for example, Haval H6 for export) the logo may visually resemble V because of the font, but officially it is a stylized letter H. To avoid confusion, check VIN code car through services like vinfree.info or epc.dataone-soft.com.

Key Difference VOYAH from the rest - using the platform ESSA (Electric Smart Secure Architecture), which supports over-the-air software updates and autopilot Level 2+. U VENUCIA, on the contrary, emphasis on hybrid power plants e-Power (similar to Toyota Hybrid), and VINFAST uses batteries from CATL and software from Bosch.

VOYAH|VENUCIA|VINFAST|None of the above-->

Decoding the V logo: what does the logo mean?

Each manufacturer has its own interpretation of the letter V, and this is not just a design decision. Decoding helps to understand the philosophy of the brand and its target audience:

Brand Official transcript Design features of the logo Year of appearance
VOYAH "Voyage" (travel) + "Victory" (victory). Symbolizes freedom and innovation. V with rounded ends, reminiscent of infinity. Often chrome plated. 2020
VENUCIA "Venus" (Venus) + "City" (city). Emphasis on urbanism and femininity of design. V in an oval rim, sometimes with blue backlighting (on electric models). 2012
VINFAST "Vietnam" + "Fast" (speed) + "Safety" (safety). V with a horizontal line, minimalistic style. 2017

I wonder what VOYAH originally planned to use a logo in the form two intertwined V's (like Volkswagen), but abandoned the idea due to the risk of lawsuits. The current version was developed by the studio Pininfarina, known for its collaborations with Ferrari and Maserati. U VENUCIA the logo changed 3 times: in 2020, the gradient was removed, and in 2022, a 3D effect was added for premium models.

Important: on the used market there are cars with “makeshift” V emblems, which are glued on top of the original logos (for example, on Geely or Changan). Such cars often have problems with title or accident history. Check that the logo matches VIN code through the service autocode.rf.

Let's look at the most common models that can be found on the Russian market. Their technical parameters vary greatly - from budget hybrids to luxury electric cars.

VOYAH Free (2021–present)

  • 🔌 Type: electric vehicle (BEV) or hybrid (PHEV).
  • 🔋 Battery: 82–109 kWh (CATL), range up to 700 km (NEDC).
  • ⚡ Charging: 0–80% in 30 minutes (at 150 kW stations).
  • 🤖 Autopilot: VOYAH Pilot 3.0 (12 ultrasonic sensors + lidar).

VENUCIA V-Online (2020–2023)

  • ⚡ Hybrid: system e-Power (1.5L petrol engine + electric motor).
  • 🛣️ Consumption: 4.2 l/100 km (declared), real - 5.5–6.8 l.
  • 🔧 Feature: gearbox e-CVT (similar to Toyota).

VINFAST VF 8 (2022–present)

  • 🔋 Battery: 82 kWh (LG Energy Solution), range 400–450 km (WLTP).
  • 🛡️ Security: 7 pillows, system ADAS Level 2.
  • 💰 Price: from 2.5 million rubles. (2026, Russia).

When comparing these models, pay attention to warranty conditions. For example, VOYAH gives 8 years for the battery, but only when serviced by official dealers (there are only 5 of them in Russia). U VINFAST Electrical warranty is 10 years, but with a mileage limitation (160,000 km). VENUCIA In this regard, it loses: the warranty for the hybrid system is only 5 years or 150,000 km.

Check the VIN code with the logo via autocode.rf

Check the availability of an official dealer in your region

Check the software update history (relevant for VOYAH/VINFAST)

Estimate the cost of insurance (electric cars often have high rates) -->

How to distinguish an original from a fake?

Chinese cars with emblem V often counterfeited, especially when it comes to gray importers. Here are the key signs to look out for:

⚠️ Attention: Found on the market Geely Emgrand or Changan CS55 with re-glued emblems V. Such cars may have problems with customs clearance or non-compliance with the title.
  • 🔍 Logo quality: Original emblem VOYAH has laser engraving on the back side, VINFAST — magnetic fastening (not glue!).
  • 📄 Documents: The PTS must indicate the brand VOYAH, VENUCIA or VINFAST - no typos.
  • 🔧 Technical details: U VOYAH Free there is a sign on the back door ESSA (platform name), y VENUCIA - nameplate e-Power under the hood.

If the seller refuses to provide access to the on-board computer to check the software version (at VOYAH this is the menu System Info), this is a reason to be wary. Also worth checking body number at the door joints and under the hood - it must match the data in the vehicle title.

Another way to identify a fake is to request service book. From official dealers VINFAST and VOYAH it is issued electronically with a QR code that leads to the manufacturer’s website. U VENUCIA The book is paper, but with a hologram.

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Before purchasing, ask the seller for a photo VIN code (on the driver's door pillar) and check it through vinfree.info. If the system shows a different brand (for example, Dongfeng instead of VOYAH), this is a fake.

Pros and cons of Chinese cars with the V emblem

The advantages and disadvantages depend on the specific model, but there are common trends for all three brands:

Benefits Disadvantages
✅ Modern platforms (ESSA, CMF-C) with support for OTA updates. ❌ Difficulties with repairs: spare parts are delivered from China for 2-4 weeks.
✅ Highly equipped “out of the box” (360° cameras, heating of all zones). ❌ Low liquidity in the secondary market (except VINFAST VF 8).
✅ Battery warranty 8–10 years (for VOYAH and VINFAST). ❌ Risk of “gray” imports (especially for VENUCIA).

Separately worth noting software. U VOYAH and VINFAST it is updated over the air, but sometimes these updates lead to crashes. For example, in 2023 the owners VOYAH Free complained about the failure of the rear view cameras after updating to the version 3.2.1. The problem was solved by rolling back to 3.1.5, but it took dealers up to 3 days.

Partially security the leader is VINFAST: their models received 5 stars in crash tests ASEAN NCAP (2022). VOYAH and VENUCIA tested only according to Chinese standard C-NCAP, which is less strict.

VINFAST VF 8 Crash Test Details

In the side impact test (64 km/h), the car received 15.5 points out of 16 possible. The strength of the safety cage and the performance of the side airbags were especially noted. However, during a frontal impact (with 40% overlap), the windshield pillar was deformed, which reduced the rating to 4.5 stars by European standards.

Where to buy and how much does it cost?

Official dealers VOYAH and VINFAST there are in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Kazan. VENUCIA in Russia it is represented only through parallel imports, so the purchase is associated with risks (there is no guarantee for the hybrid system). Current prices for 2026:

  • 💰 VOYAH Free (electric): 3.2–3.8 million rubles.
  • 💰 VENUCIA V-Online (hybrid): 2.1–2.5 million rubles. (gray import).
  • 💰 VINFAST VF 8: 2.5–2.9 million rub. (including government subsidies for electric vehicles).

When purchasing from an official dealer VINFAST can be issued leasing with a reduced rate (from 3% per annum) thanks to partnership with SberLeasing. U VOYAH the program is in effect Trade-In: when trading in an old car for a new one, they give a discount of up to 300,000 rubles.

On the secondary market, prices drop by 30–40% after just a year of operation. For example, VOYAH Free 2022 can be found for 2.2–2.5 million rubles, but with a mileage of 30–50 thousand km. The main risk is low battery: without a guarantee, its replacement will cost 800,000–1.2 million rubles.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase VENUCIA via parallel import, check whether the hybrid system is certified for Russia. Some models do not pass customs due to non-compliance with the environmental class Euro 5.
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The most reliable way to purchase is an official dealer. Even if the price is 10-15% higher, you will receive a warranty on the battery and access to software updates.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Owners of Chinese cars with the emblem V face typical problems related to electronics and service. Here are the most common cases:

  • 🔌 Autopilot malfunctions: U VOYAH Free after updating to 3.2.1 The cameras stopped recognizing the markings. Solution: rollback to 3.1.5 through the dealer.
  • 🔋 Fast battery drain: U VINFAST VF 8 in cold weather (-20°C) the actual range drops to 200 km. Solution: use battery preheater (Battery Preconditioning).
  • 🛠️ Problems with the hybrid: B VENUCIA V-Online Sometimes the inverter fails. The reason is overheating due to a clogged radiator. Solution: cleaning every 20,000 km.

Another common complaint is noise in the cabin at speeds above 100 km/h. U VOYAH the problem is related to the door seals (replacement under warranty), VINFAST — with aerodynamics of side mirrors (solved by installing deflectors).

To minimize risks, follow these recommendations:

  1. Check software update history via menu Software Info.
  2. Use only original charging stations (especially for VOYAH).
  3. Get it checked strictly by authorized dealers - otherwise the warranty on the battery will be lost.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to put gas on VENUCIA V-Online?

No, the manufacturer prohibits the installation of LPG on hybrid models. This carries a risk of damage lithium battery in case of gas leak. In addition, you will lose the warranty on the hybrid system.

What is the battery life? VOYAH Free?

Manufacturer states 80% capacity after 200,000 km or 8 years. Real world tests show degradation of 2-3% per year with moderate use. The main enemies of the battery: frequent charging up to 100% and storage in cold temperatures below -10°C.

Where to find spare parts for VINFAST VF 8?

The official spare parts warehouse is located in St. Petersburg. The average delivery time is 5–7 days. For urgent repairs, you can contact our partners VINFAST in Moscow (Automotive special center in Varshavka). Prices for original parts are 20–30% higher than their Chinese counterparts.

Is it possible to reflash VOYAH to increase power?

Technically yes, but this voids the warranty and may cause the battery to overheat. The manufacturer blocks such interventions through ECU. In 2023, several owners in China lost their warranty after chip tuning.

Which insurance is cheaper: on VOYAH or VINFAST?

The cost of MTPL for these brands is approximately the same (coefficient 1.0–1.1). However, CASCO VINFAST costs 15–20% less due to the lower cost of spare parts. For example, in RESO-Garantiya CASCO for VF 8 costs ~80,000 rubles/year, and for VOYAH Free — ~100,000 rub.