New Delhi, May 2 -- It's a hot day in Hanoi, the humidity hanging heavy, but we're cutting a cool path through the water of Ha Long Bay, heading towards the uber-luxury Vinpearl Resort, built on an island with spectacular views of the bay. This isn't a vacation though. We're here to test drive VinFast's new MPV 7.

Before we get to the cars, we're shown the entire repertoire of the Vin's group's strength since the group has ambitious plans for India. The group's founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, started an instant noodle business in Ukraine with a $10,000 loan, which he eventually sold to Nestle for $150 million. Where others might have retired comfortably, he came home to Vietnam and built a real estate empire, and over the last 25 years has exp...