Unfortunately, this is not the case when it comes to cars. As soon as a model is a few years old it undergoes a midlife refresher that sees an exterior nip and tuck being done to keep appearances up and a few key bits and pieces under the metal, so to speak, are replaced or enhanced to keep body and soul functioning.
Just a few years later, an all-new model with all the best bits fitted comes out bearing the same name. And so the cycle continues.
Getting older is a fact of life whether you are a human or a car, but growing up is optional, they say.
And the all-new Renault Clio RS has chosen to grow up a little in an attempt to be more things to more people. But is this a good thing? This compact hot hatch, which retails for a heady R319 900 in Cup form now runs a 1,6 turbo-charged petrol engine with 147kW of power and 240Nm of torque on tap, which is now the norm in this segment – from Fiesta ST to Polo GTI to Corsa OPC.
So immediately it faces some stiff competition as the most expensive new kid on the block.
It does come jam-packed with technology and luxury the competition just don't offer - like standard satellite navigation for one.
There is an RS Drive configuration module that, at a push of a button, modifies the mapping of both the transmission and engine. It also alters the way the ESC and ASR traction control intervene, as well as the feel of the power steering. Married to a six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox is Launch Control.
You can even go one step further if you are an avid track day supporter - as most Clio RS owners likely are - and opt for the in-dash RS Monitor 2.0 and R-Link system.
This customisable system display uses dials, histograms and graphics to provide the following data in real-time: torque, power, water temperature, intake air temperature, turbo pressure, throttle valve aperture, brake pressure, steering wheel angle, engine speed, transmission oil temperature, temperature of EDC clutches and wheel torque. But does this make it quicker around a track?
No, because there is no way you will be watching all this data on the centre display while your eyes are glued to the track – but it is nice to have.
Talking about track, the Clio RS Cup would certainly be the quickest in its segment around the black stuff. But it is not as razor sharp as it used to be and still a bit too hard for everyday road use on bad tar. So this means compromise and this compromise means potential owners could well look at other cars like the Ford Fiesta ST as an everyday drive that can still hustle around a track when you want it to.
On the road it is similar to others when it comes to performance data: the Clio RS gets to 100km in a class-leading 7,04s, followed by the Polo GTI at 7,22s, Fiesta ST at 7,43s and, bringing up the rear, the Corsa OPC at 7,52s.
It is worth mentioning that the two quickest cars off the line both come with double clutch auto boxes. Top speeds are pretty even too, with the Polo GTI going fastest at 230km, the Fiesta ST next at 228km, the Clio RS at 224km and the Corsa OPC coming in last at 221km.
They also all consume fuel in a way that is directly related to your right foot. Published figures are 6,0 and 7,0 per 100km, but with some speed you can expect around the 9,0-litre mark most of the time.
Value added is as expected from Renault - the Clio RS comes with a full house of safety equipment on board to keep you safe in your compact hot hatch.
Growing up is optional and the Clio's interior seems to agree.
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