[2] The third generation Fortwo (2014–2024) was internally designated as the C453 build series,[3][4] and debuted globally on July 16, 2014,[5] at the Tempodrom in Berlin[6] along with a closely related four-door version, the Smart Forfour, co-developed and sharing the same platform and engines with the third-generation Renault Twingo.

The company MCC (Micro Compact Car AG) was founded in 1994 by Hayek in Biel as a joint subsidiary of Daimler-Benz and SMH SA (Société Suisse de Microélectronique et d'Horlogerie).

When MCC abandoned the original concept and the planned electric or hybrid drive, both Hayek and senior development team members left the project.

"[11] The Fortwo is noted for its 2.5-metre (8.2 ft) – 2.69-metre (8.8 ft) overall length, high H-point seating, offset passenger and driver seats (in the first and second generation, the passenger seat is 15 centimetres further rearward than the driver's),[12] automated manual transmission (1st and 2nd generation), De Dion tube rear suspension, low CO2 emissions (119 grams per kilometre, North America, 1.0 Liter),[13] two-part rear hatch, interchangeable plastic body panels and prominent steel hemispherical safety-cell, which is marketed as the Tridion cell and can be ordered in a contrasting color to the vehicle's body panels.

Fortwo models are manufactured at Smartville—a dedicated Daimler assembly plant in Hambach, France—in Coupé (i.e., hatchback) and Cabrio (i.e., convertible) body styles, each in a mono-box configuration.

[8] In 2002, the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) introduced a first generation ForTwo into its permanent collection (the only vehicle to be included into the collection while still in series production),[16] and in 2014 the Fortwo was voted the Best Microcar for the fifth year in a row by readers of the Chinese edition of Auto, Motor und Sport.

[17] At the time of its commercial launch, the Smart Fortwo diesel-engined variant, the Cdi, had the lowest carbon dioxide emissions for an internal combustion engine, at 88 g/km rated NEDC cycle.

[18] Auto, Motor und Sport cites a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.35 and Alles Auto cites a Cd of 0.345 for the second generation W451 series[19][20] The first and second-generation Fortwo models employ an automated manual transmission, designed and manufactured by Getrag, where the clutch is computer-controlled via electrohydraulics, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal.

Input from floor-mounted shifter or optional steering-wheel-mounted paddles controls a servo-operated clutch and an automated manual gearbox.

The range received a minor interior facelift for the 2011 model year with standard knee airbags, new instrument cluster, more extensive cloth trimming for the top of the instrument panel, circular rather than rectangular outboard dash vents, optional multimedia system with a 6.5" display, and optional surround-sound audio system.

A small 0.8-litre three-cylinder turbo diesel common rail engine made by Mercedes was available in most European markets.

[39] At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Smart debuted the "micro hybrid drive" (MHD) version of the Fortwo, which was subsequently launched in the UK in 2008.

The system generates electricity to charge the battery when the driver is braking, and automatically cuts the engine when the speed drops below 5 mph (8 km/h).

As a part of the vehicle's Tridion cell and crash management system, the front crumple zone is maximized by the rear-mounted engine location.

[53] Key differences with the second-generation model include a more powerful electric motor, which improves acceleration and top speed, a new lithium-ion battery pack that will allow to increase the range to 140 kilometres (87 mi), and an option for quick-charge will be available.

[58] The ForTwo continues to be assembled at Smartville, and the ForFour is manufactured alongside the Renault Twingo 3 in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.

The fortwo's roof bars were not integrated into the safety structure of the car, and only housed the guide rails for the soft top to close.

[63] The smart Fortwo was officially marketed through select Mercedes-Benz dealers in Brazil only from 2009 to 2015 (exclusively in its second generation), only with petrol engines.

In October 2008, the Smart "vending machine" road show had the first stop in Shenyang and began the Fortwo's pre-order period.

Only the turbo-diesel powerplant was offered for the 450 coupé and 450 convertible models because the fuel vapour recovery system for the gasoline-powered car would have had to be redesigned to meet Transport Canada standards.

The 451 fortwo carries a 1.0-litre engine that delivers up to 70 horsepower (52 kW) and a re-engineered automated-manual 5-speed transmission with a slightly larger body.

All examples feature arctic grey metallic paint with brown and alcantara leather interiors and black BRABUS Monoblock 7 wheels.

Smart Canada also commissioned Busch Automodelle GmbH to produce 1:87 scale versions (with a black tridion), of which 10,000 were made.

In early 2006, prior to formal importation to the United States, a specialty firm—G and K Auto conversions of Santa Ana, California—received DOT, NHTSA, and EPA approval to market a modified European specification Smart Fortwo in the US.

Significant upgrades, including power steering, eight airbags, alarm, Bluetooth capability and crosswind assist technology were made standard.

The 2016 Smart Fortwo also received a new engine, the 0.9 liter 3-cylinder turbocharged unit making 89 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque as standard.

[79] The fourth generation Smart Fortwo Electric Drive made its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

[80] The newest generation, built on the C453 chassis, features a new 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery and an air-cooled electric motor which produce 81 horsepower and 118 lb.-ft. of torque.

[81] The 2017 Smart Fortwo electric drive is offered in both Coupe and Cabrio versions in all 50 states, and qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax incentive.

The edition was available for Passion and Prime lines of the Fortwo Coupe, and consisted of: In April 2019, sales were terminated in the U.S. and Canada.