Are There Differences Between '08 and '09? - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

SailorMan · 01-19-2009, 09:24 AM

Took my first test drive yesterday. The salesperson said that the jerkiness moving through the gears in automatic was "somewhat less noticeable" in the '09 compared to the '08, but when I asked whether there was something specifically different in the transmissions between the two model years, she was vague.

Were changes made between the '08 and '09 models, in the transmissions or elsewhere?

Thanks in advance.

Dave777 · 01-19-2009, 09:42 AM

Very few differences between the model years. The transmission is the same, but the software that programs the gear changes is better and a little faster between gears. The 2008 models will be able to have the new software installed.

JimmyT · 01-19-2009, 01:40 PM

orly....

NeWave · 01-19-2009, 02:29 PM

As for "elsewhere" 1. the little cubbys in the door are now netted instead of hard plastic..
2. The extra removable cupholder thing is not in the 09's for some reason..

forestacademy · 01-19-2009, 02:32 PM

I understand their is a pocket for the manual in the 09 rather than the movable velcro pocket in the 08

Smartdavis · 01-19-2009, 03:23 PM

The 09 costs a bit more.

mvaldes · 01-19-2009, 03:42 PM

I'm not sure about the transmission software upgrade. My dealer said that, so far at least, they were told that you will be able to reprogram the '08 shift points, but you won't be able to add the feature that lets you activate manual mode from the paddles.

dbwill · 01-19-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvaldes

I'm not sure about the transmission software upgrade. My dealer said that, so far at least, they were told that you will be able to reprogram the '08 shift points, but you won't be able to add the feature that lets you activate manual mode from the paddles.

I sure hope your dealer is wrong

Dave777 · 01-19-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvaldes

I'm not sure about the transmission software upgrade. My dealer said that, so far at least, they were told that you will be able to reprogram the '08 shift points, but you won't be able to add the feature that lets you activate manual mode from the paddles.

Your dealer is wrong. That's a fact.

Smartdavis · 01-19-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave777

Your dealer is wrong. That's a fact.

Hey Dave, what's your source on that one? I am really hoping you are right!