First launched in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata->ke1185 has become one of the most iconic sports cars->ke506 in history. It seems weird to say that in regards to a car that was reportedly born out of a challenge from a journalist for Mazda->ke53 to build a sports car like the UK used to do. Well, the challenge was accepted and as they say, the rest is history.

Today, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is well-entrenched into its fourth-generation, a fact that wasn’t lost by X-Car presenter Alex Goy during his recent review of the car. It’s worth noting that the episode also featured the first-generation MX-5 Miata and it’s startling to see how the sports car has evolved since it first entered the market 26 years ago. A lot of things certainly have changed, especially in the way the MX-5 now looks.

But, one thing that has stood the test of time, is the car’s popularity. Just as hot as it was when it first broke into the scene, the MX-5 Miata continues to be the standard of a cheap and lightweight sports car. The car still has some quirks about it as Goy pointed out, but for the most part, the MX-5 is as good and as fun to drive back then as it is now.

Check out the video and see for yourselves how the MX-5 Miata has changed and yet, you still walk away with the feeling that the more it has evolved, the more it has remained true to its core.

2016 Mazda MX-5

Read our full review on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 here.