In April 1998, the range was replaced by an all-new second-generation version. The pop-up headlamps were ditched in favour of fixed lights, the engines were made more powerful and the vinyl zip out rear window was upgraded to a proper glass item. Twin airbags were fitted, and the S model received a Torsen limited slip differential.

A 10th Anniversary six-speed limited edition model was imported in limited numbers in the summer of 1999 and subsequent special editions included the California and Icon. A revised MX-5 was announced in June 2001 with a slightly cleaner look and a classier interior. Only the most ardent spotters noticed that the front air intake had become a more V-shaped affair, whilst a pair of recessed front fog lamps also helped to lend the frontal aspect a little more venom. The taillights looked subtly different, and you also got a six-speed gearbox on the 1.8i Sport.

The 1.8-litre engine gained an SV-T variable valve timing system that gave it extra smoothness and shove at the top end plus an extra 8bhp – though at the expense of 12% higher fuel consumption. Plus, there was, for the first time, an automatic version of the 1.6i.

To keep the momentum going, the importers announced a package of specification changes in late 2002. All MX-5s now included a fuel empty light to warn of impending fuel starvation: ludicrously, it wasn’t fitted before. There was also now ISOFIX front passenger child seat anchoring. Electric heated mirrors and a power aerial were also now standard, plus there was now the option of a more visually attractive cloth soft top combined with 15″ alloy wheels in lieu of a vinyl roof. Go for the top 1.8i Sport variant and you also got a chrome fuel filler cap, that cloth soft top and Bilstein dampers as standard.