2009 smart fortwo convertible 1.0L

Overview

The 2009 smart fortwo convertible, officially marketed as the fortwo cabrio, represents the second generation (W451) of the iconic microcar designed by the Swatch-Mercedes Art (smart) collaboration. Introduced to the North American market in 2008, the fortwo was engineered to address the growing demand for urban mobility, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking in dense metropolitan environments. Its distinctive “tridion” safety cell—a high-strength steel frame—remains the hallmark of the vehicle’s engineering, providing a rigid structure that belies the car’s diminutive footprint.

The convertible variant features a retractable fabric roof that can be operated at any speed, offering a unique open-air experience in a segment typically dominated by fixed-roof hatchbacks. Powered by a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, the fortwo was designed primarily for city commuting. While its automated manual transmission (AM5) was often noted for its deliberate shift patterns, the vehicle gained a cult following for its maneuverability and its ability to fit into parking spaces that would be inaccessible to conventional automobiles. As a symbol of minimalist design, the 2009 fortwo remains a significant case study in automotive packaging and the challenges of introducing European-style microcars to the American consumer landscape.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	smart
Model	fortwo convertible
Model Year	2009
Generation	W451
Trim	Passion
Body Style	2-door convertible
Vehicle Segment	City Car
Vehicle Class	Two Seaters
Market	USA
Platform	W451
Assembly Plant	Hambach, France
Country of Origin	France
Production Start	2007
Production End	2014
VIN Identifier	WME
Base MSRP	$16,990
Destination Charge	$645
Total MSRP	$17,635
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion
Engine Family	Mitsubishi 3B2
Engine Name	M132
Engine Code	3B21
Engine Configuration	Inline-3
Displacement	1.0 Liters
Bore x Stroke	72.0 mm x 81.8 mm
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Multi-point fuel injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	3.0 Liters
Oil Specification / Viscosity	5W-30
Horsepower	70 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	68 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Redline	6500 rpm
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (AM5)
Final Drive Ratio	4.13
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Premium Gasoline
Recommended Octane	91
EPA City MPG	33
EPA Highway MPG	41
EPA Combined MPG	36
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	6.5
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	8.7
Estimated Driving Range	350 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,350
CO₂ Emissions	245 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	7
Smog Rating	6
Performance
0-30 mph	4.5 s
0-60 mph	12.8 s
0-100 mph	–
Quarter Mile	19.2 s
Top Speed	90 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	125 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.78g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	25.7 lb/hp
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	106.1
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	61.4
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	–
Height (in)	60.7
Wheelbase (in)	73.5
Front Track (in)	50.4
Rear Track (in)	54.6
Ground Clearance (in)	5.2
Curb Weight (lbs)	1808
GVWR (lbs)	2205
Towing Capacity (lbs)	0
Payload Capacity (lbs)	397
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	45
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	7.8
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	12.0
Turning Circle	28.7 ft
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	–
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	–
Side Impact	–
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	–
Instrument Cluster	Analog
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	AM/FM/CD
Speaker Count	2
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance	4 years / 50,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	No
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Mitsubishi Motors, Japan
Transmission Supplier	Getrag
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	–
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	0
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2009 smart fortwo convertible is a niche vehicle that appeals primarily to urban dwellers prioritizing parking ease and fuel efficiency over highway performance. Reliability is generally considered acceptable for the engine and chassis, though prospective buyers should be aware of the automated manual transmission’s “clunky” shift quality, which is a characteristic of the era’s technology rather than a defect. Common maintenance items include monitoring the clutch actuator and ensuring the fabric roof mechanism is lubricated to prevent binding. In the used market, these vehicles are valued for their unique aesthetic and low operating costs, though they are not recommended for long-distance commuting due to their short wheelbase and sensitivity to crosswinds. When purchasing, it is essential to verify the service history, specifically regarding oil changes, as the small-displacement engine is sensitive to maintenance intervals.