Click the screen below to watch the AutoFOCUS TEST DRIVE episode
We threw everything at this car and it passed with flying colors. Los Angeles has so many amazing places to drive. Over in West Hollywood, we’ start an adventure where the Elantra Hybrid is the star of the show. We’ll also be in Hollywood where movies are made and stars are born. And I’ll take you through the streets of West Hollywood, up sunset, through the mountains - to see if the Elantra Hybrid with its futuristic hybrid technology, stunning looks and smooth ride is ready for the big time.
The Elantra Hybrid’s hybrid powertrain; it combines a 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4 gas engine with an electric motor and a 1.3-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery pack. The system is based on a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The electrified drivetrain reduces the need to minimize mechanical loss from the transmission. The dual-clutch basis gives the Hybrid an advantage. It's also quite maneuverable and agile in traffic.
The Elantra Hybrid rarely runs on electric power alone on lower speeds but accelerates and the gas engine comes to life almost immediately.