2008 smart fortwo passion cabriolet Review

Toy Car for Real

A three-quarter rear view of a red and silver 2008 smart fortwo passion cabriolet

In short: A radical, midget-sized city convertible.

Sharing all the features of the ultra-compact passion coupe, the cabriolet version adds a few more: a soft top with a heated rear glass window, an upgraded sound system and an in-dash six CD changer. Along with safety features like its tridion safety shell, which is the basis to the car’s body, the diminutive convertible offers a five-speed manual transmission with paddle shifters and traction control with hill start assist.

Read a review of the 2009 smart fortwo brabus cabriolet
and the 2008 smart fortwo passion coupe

Read about the smart car's top safety ratings

Warranty/Service: 2-year/24,000-mile warranty with the option to upgrade to a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $16,590

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

Engine: 1.0-liter 3 cylinder
Horsepower: 70 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 68 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual with paddle shifters

Curb weight: 1,852 lbs
Wheelbase: 73.5 in
Length/Width/Height: 106.1/61.71/60.71 in
Turning circle: 28.7 ft

Brakes: disc in front; drum in rear; electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic brake assist and ABS
Suspension: lower wishbone, MacPherson strut and anti-roll bar in front; DeDion axle, coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers in rear

Traction: electronic stability program with hill start assist, traction control system

0-60 mph: 12.8 seconds
Top Speed: 90 mph (governed)

EPA City: 33 mpg
EPA Highway: 41 mpg

Safety: tridion "safety cell;" tire pressure control system; full-size airbags in front; head/neck side airbags

Likes: n/a
Dislikes: n/a

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Photography: AlphaMedia

PSV052708

(Updated 07/08/09 SV)

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