Firefly

The name "Firefly" was not chosen at random. A firefly is small, agile and energetic. Since only one model is planned for now, the brand is called "Firefly" and the only model is also called "Firefly" (compare it to the "Mini" of "Mini"). The designers went with the name and drew front and rear lights composed of multiple facets; just like the facet eyes of a fly. Next, Firefly looked closely at much-loved models in Europe, as it features elements of the Renault 5, Lancia Ypsilon and Honda e. Very original: the Firefly has alloy wheels as well as hubcaps. In winter, the hubcaps can protect the rims (and make for better aerodynamics).

In terms of dimensions, the Firefly is of average size for a car in this segment. The build quality is that of a higher-end car; Nio's influence is evident in this. While low-cost models from other brands are overtly cheaply built, the Firefly actually impresses with beautiful materials and textures.

Space

Firefly goes a step further than just combining sought-after style elements. The design is very thoughtful! The wheels are on the extreme corners and, together with the relatively long wheelbase, this makes for above-average interior space. Thus, even adults sit quite decently in the back, which is usually different in this segment. By opting for rear-wheel drive, the Firefly not only has a large luggage space, but also a substantial storage space under the bonnet ("frunk" in American English).

The space up front is good, but the experience unusual. In fact, the dashboard lies low, providing noticeably better visibility around the car. On the contrary, the door panels extend far upwards for a secure feeling. There is no centre tunnel, which gives a great sense of space. In terms of storage space, the Firefly can rival MPVs. There are large door compartments, two storage compartments in the armrest, a cup holder, a retractable wastebasket, a compartment under the passenger seat, a compartment under the rear seat and a substantial glovebox. In short: if you want a compact yet practical family car, look no further than the Firefly!

Software

Like Nio, Firefly opts for a minimalist interior. There is a small display on top of the steering column and a larger display in the centre of the dashboard. The number of buttons is minimal, as everything is controlled via the steering wheel and/or voice commands. The gearshift lever is on the steering column for a tidy look and more storage space between the front seats.

The establishment has obvious problems developing software. Some brands lag behind, resulting in limited features or clunky controls. Others seek refuge with external parties and are then completely dependent on them. Nio, and thus also Firefly, offers its own infotainment system, based on its own operating system and even its own hardware. Although the Firefly does not have the impressive computing power of a Nio (which is ready for full autonomous driving), the infotainment system is complete, well thought-out and future-oriented. Precisely because everything is controlled via the central display screen, user-friendliness is of great importance and this is exactly where the Firefly scores a ten out of ten. Operation is logical and fast, without overly patronising the user and without superfluous functionality.

An audio system with 14 speakers and support for Dolby Atmos is standard. It has a flat but spacious sound thanks to this setup. An amusing detail: parent company Nio does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto because the Chinese manufacturer does not want to give US-based Apple and Google access to its advanced systems. Because Firefly uses much less advanced technology, it will soon support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Security

Firefly provides all the safety features that the European Union will require now and in the coming years. When these are all active, the number of alerts is enough to drive even the calmest driver to utter despair. Therefore, they can be saved as favourites and thus these overzealous assists can easily be switched off at the start of each trip.

Very useful is the blind spot camera that shows images from beside the car when direction is indicated. Thanks to its high computing power, the Firefly can brake, steer and accelerate on its own. These Level 2 self-driving functions work well, which is exceptional for a car in this price range. They have therefore been gratefully and heavily used in traffic jams.

Electric car

Like Nio, Firefly offers only electric cars. However, the powertrain differs. Firefly uses so-called LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries instead of the more common lithium-ion batteries. LFP batteries have a lower energy density, but function under more diverse temperatures. Therefore, the fire risk is lower and active cooling or heating of the battery is not necessary. Moreover, an LFP battery can be charged and discharged more frequently before its capacity decreases. In theory, the Firefly can fast charge with up to 100 kW. During the test period under favourable weather conditions, 85 kW was the highest achievable speed. Around 65% charge, this drops to 34 kW. During charging, the Firefly provides a great deal of information, allowing the driver to properly assess when the speed drops so much that it is better to stop the charging session.

According to Firefly, the range is 330 km. During testing, again in favourable weather conditions, it was 301 km. For a compact car, that is the ideal balance of price, performance, weight and environmental impact.

Because the Firefly is a computer-controlled car, the driver can largely determine its character. For instance, there are sport, eco and comfort modes. In addition, one can choose how strongly the Firefly decelerates when releasing the accelerator and thus how much energy is recovered. There is also a single-pedal driving option (press the throttle for acceleration, release for deceleration). The Firefly was a guest at Autozine  for a week and during that period, consumption ranged from 12 to 16 kWh per 100 km. This matches Firefly's promised average consumption of 14.5 kWh per 100 km.

In sport mode, performance is excellent and the engine seems to deliver much more than the promised 143 hp / 200 Nm. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes 8 seconds, but even above that speed, the Firefly remains eager and lively. While a high pitched noise from the electric motor can be heard in some cheap electric cars, this Firefly's powertrain is perfectly silent. Only from the a-pillar and tyres are some driving noises audible.

Driving behaviour

The handling has not been skimped on either. The Firefly has an advanced suspension, almost proportional weight distribution between the front and rear wheels and rear-wheel drive. And yet, handling has been perceived as the weakest point. On first encounter, the Firefly feels leaden and despite the delightfully small steering wheel, driver communication leaves much to be desired. The character is not at all confidence-inspiring and it was only after several days (!) of driving that it became clear what the car is and is not capable of.

The Firefly is definitely not meant to be a sporty or dynamic car. When cornering smoothly, the tyres (from Chinese manufacturer "Sailun") quickly start squeaking. Once the car is out of balance, it takes some steering skills to get it back into balance. Think of a sudden evasive manoeuvre at high speed. Braking is a better option in that case, as the Firefly does that excellently. On the contrary, the Firefly is meant to be a comfortable city car. The turning circle is small and on bad road surfaces, the Firefly offers the comfort and refinement of a much more expensive car.

Chinese car

According to all the qualifications, the Firefly might as well have been a "Tesla Model 2", "Volkswagen ID.2", "Kia EV2" or "Hyundai IONIQ 2". And if any one of those brands had the name attached to it, the test driver would have bought this car right after the test drive! However, the Firefly is a Chinese car and that raises questions. That is why Autozine has done extra research (and had Nio's PR department working overtime).

The most commonly heard concern relates to privacy. That's why the Firefly is connected to a data centre in Germany, not China. Many online features can be switched off and using the Firefly app is not necessary. So should Nio / Firefly disappear from the European market, the cars will continue to function. Both brands have a central warehouse in The Netherlands, so there is a buffer of parts outside China.

The internet is awash with stories of faulty Chinese products. However, a car is very different from a toy or clothing. A car must comply with European type approval, including the corresponding safety requirements. To address concerns about reliability, Firefly provides a 5-year warranty. While some brands make customers pay for this with extremely high maintenance prices, Firefly's servicing is no more expensive than regular brands.

Conclusion

Is the Firefly too good to be true? Autozine spent a thousand kilometres and a week trying to find the proverbial snag, but it was not found. The Firefly's least strong point is its handling. The car feels heavy and the steering lacks confidence. However, it gradually becomes clear that safety is adequate and that Firefly prefers comfort to sportiness.

In all other respects, the Firefly is not only good, but impressive. For a cheap electric car, the build quality is exceptional, the space excellent, the equipment innovative, the ergonomics sophisticated and the comfort outstanding. Firefly takes full advantage of the opportunities offered by electric driving, choosing a good balance between price, performance and range. As a bonus, Firefly opts for the latest battery technology for greater safety (less fire risk) and greater durability (no cobalt, less wear from charging and discharging).

As opposed to its European competitors, the Firefly is a computer on wheels. The car therefore adapts to the driver and not the other way around. Moreover, software updates ensure that the car keeps improving. The current software is already so good, however, that this is one of the most thoughtful cars the editors have tested in a long time.