MAZDA has played a canny game with its now 12 years old MX-5 by staying true to its original retro principles but managing to keep the car fresh at the same time. The biggest update was in 1998 when the car was given a major styling workover that involved scrapping the flip-up headlights. The company has also resisted the use of bigger, more powerful engines, choosing to retain the inline four-cylinder but progressively updating it, as it has with the latest variable valve timing system. The MX-5 remains a great driver's car and is still excellent value. Will it last forever?