When the news came that Chevrolet was going to reveal the FNR-X Concept crossover at Shanghai, it was hard not to be underwhelmed. Its predecessor, the FNR (Find New Roads), was a fantastically futuristic looking sports car concept that looked like it belonged in a science fiction movie. The idea of following such a radical car with a compact crossover didn't fill us with excitement, to say the least. Well, turns out we were wrong to be sceptical, because the Chevrolet FNR-X is far from your conventional crossover.
Revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show, Chevrolet isn't even using the dreaded "C" word to describe the concept. Instead, the automaker describes the FNR-X as an "all-purpose sports concept." The styling is striking and futuristic, yet still looks grounded in reality with Chevrolet's signature headlights and grille, making it more likely to pave the way for a production model compared to the original FNR concept. Certainly, the Chevrolet FNR-X lives up to its claim as an "all-purpose" vehicle. Featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the quirky crossover concept can switch between its combustion engine and electric motor, as well as two driving modes: Versatility and Sport.
It's capable both on and off the road thanks to its adaptive suspension that adjusts ground clearance on demand. Active grille shutters and switchable wheel blades also adjust automatically to reduce wind drag, while the aerodynamics are further enhanced with front and rear spoilers and side skirts that move up and down depending on the driving mode selected. The interior, accessed via scissor doors, is just as striking as the exterior, too. Ambient lighting changes colors for each driving mode to create a homely atmosphere, while a large hexagonal infotainment screen dominates the dashboard.
Being a concept, physical buttons are kept to a minimum, and it of course has advanced autonomous driving abilities that can predict the complexity of the road conditions and adjust the route accordingly. It's a shame the FNR-X is only a concept, because you wouldn't see us complain if this crossover makes it into production.
