Following Nio and Onvo, Firefly is the Chinese Tesla rival’s third brand of EVs, positioned in the premium compact car market. Its first model, which bears the same name as the brand, is a small hatchback designed to compete with models like the MINI Cooper Electric, Hyundai Inster, Renault 5, BYD Dolphin, and the upcoming Cupra Raval and VW ID. Polo models.
A few weeks ago, we had a chance to check out the Firefly in person, and here are some interesting observations we made:
Design
The Firefly features a playful exterior with robust proportions and distinctive design elements. At the front, there are three small circular lights on each side, with the innermost unit integrated into a closed-off black grille featuring diagonal slats.
The upper section of the front features a concave surface, while the lower section integrates a compact oval-shaped central air intake. The trio light signature, black panel with diagonal slats, and concave surface reappear at the back.
The side profile reveals a gently sloping roofline and smooth door panels with subtle lower-body sculpting, along with flush door handles and an oval-shaped charge port cover.
The 18-inch alloy wheels feature a funky design and have been pushed out to the corners. The rocker panels, just like the bumpers, are made of recycled plastics.
Interior
The interior of the Firefly has a minimalist theme, particularly evident in the uncluttered dashboard with hidden air vents and the walk-through area ahead of the front seats. The ‘oval’ shape is seen throughout the cabin, and diagonal slats have also been carried over from the exterior, featured on the door panels, the centre console, and the pedals.
A compact instrument cluster measuring six inches diagonally presents the key driving information. A 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the nerve centre of all the key comfort, multimedia, navigation, and vehicle controls. A 1 m² panoramic sunroof, electric front seats with massage and ventilation functions, and a power tailgate are available as an option in Europe.
There are 27 storage spaces spread across the cabin, three under the seats – one in the front (passenger-side) and two in the rear. The car offers 404 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,253 litres by folding the rear seat. It has a 92-litre frunk as well.
Experience in the Firefly
Getting into the new Firefly feels straightforward, helped by the flush door handles and the upright body shape. Once seated, I noticed the steering wheel does not adjust quite as high as I would prefer, though I could still find a workable driving position.
Back support feels good, shoulder support is average, and the side bolsters help hold me in place. The front seats feel wide enough for a six-footer, and I did not feel cramped. Under-thigh support is adequate, and the pedal box feels generous. I also noticed a large dead pedal that works well with my size 12 shoes.
Outward visibility feels acceptable, helped by the small quarter glass panels and rear three-quarter glass. The roofline is not heavily sloped, and the centre armrest feels useful. I am not a fan of the squircle-shaped steering wheel, though it functions normally.
The dashboard uses a mix of materials, including hard plastic, softer trim, and a coarse fabric section facing the driver. The door handle integration into the door pad creates a wraparound effect, and the material quality feels more premium than basic.
Most controls sit within the touchscreen. The screen feels responsive, but I would have preferred physical HVAC controls instead of needing extra taps.
With the front seat set for a six-footer, the rear seat offers just enough knee room for this class, though my knees sit slightly high because of the battery pack under the floor. The default backrest angle feels comfortable, but there is no recline function.
Headroom is adequate for my height. I also noticed that the rear headrests slide into the seatbacks, which improves rearward visibility from the front. This example does not have a glass roof or sunroof, so the rear feels less airy. Rear passengers do not get USB ports, and there is no centre armrest. The floor is flat, but seating three abreast would still be tight.
Specifications
The Firefly measures 4,003 mm in length, 1,781 mm in width, and 1,557 mm in height and has a 2,615 mm wheelbase. Powering the small hatchback is a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 105 kW (140 bhp) and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.) of torque. A 41.2 kWh LFP battery pack is standard and delivers a WLTP range of 330 kilometres (205 miles).
A vehicle-to-load (V2L) bi-directional charging function is available, allowing users to offload power up to 3.6 kW to power external devices. The DC charging input is limited to 100 kW, and a 10-80% charging session takes at least 29 minutes.
Price
In the Netherlands, the Firefly is available in First Edition and Comfort trims, priced at 29,900 euros and 32,500 euros, respectively.
Given the intense competition in this segment, specifications that are competitive but not class-leading, and Nio’s status as a new brand in the market, it will be interesting to see how the sales evolution of the Firefly plays out.
Nio has confirmed plans to introduce the small EV in the UK in 2026 and recently started production of the right-hand drive version. We expect prices in the UK to start at around GBP 26,000.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
