Renault Twingo of their existing partnership, announced "Project Edison", a collaboration aimed at conceiving a shared platform for small city cars to be shared by both companies. The first cars using the platform were the third generation Twingo and the second generation Smart Forfour. Renault and Daimler invested equally during the research and development phase, with Renault subsequently specializing in the engines and Daimler in transmissions. Both companies tried to ensure a distinctive design. Renault designers took inspiration from the Renault 5. and the first generation Twingo, The car was originally launched with four colour options, as with the original Twingo. The
Renault Twingo one trim level, and four exterior colours: coral red, Indian yellow, coriander green and overseas blue. The car retailed at a price of 55,000FF (approximately $19,000, 2018). In June 1994, new exterior colours were introduced along with minor interior changes, as well as optional power windows, locks with remote keyless entry, and mirrors. Four months later, the Twingo Easy model was launched, with a semi automatic gearbox. In September 1995, the first of many special Twingo editions launched, while in built airbags become optional. In July 1996, a new 1149 cc engine (from the Clio) was fitted to replace the