Form meets function in firefly

NIO's compact and fun-to-drive electric car is bound for Singapore in 2026

- Shreejit Changaroth

This is a five-door electric hatch back pitched at drivers who fancy the likes of Mini and Smart.

NIO says firefly is one of its sub-brands for high-end compact electric cars.

First impressions are promising. To begin with, there are several striking exterior design features that imply a strong focus on styling details. Mr Kris Tomasson, NIO's design head who christened the car “firefly”, is particularly proud of the unusual and distinctive triple circular lights.

Oval shapes and trio-of-circles are recurring design themes, from door handles to foot pedals to switches.