2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Ravishing in red

The MX-5 is Mazda's take on the two-seat roadster. Now in its 30th year and fourth generation, the Miata has been a favorite of drivers since its debut.

The RF has a retractable hardtop that can be lowered in 13 seconds and stows away nicely without interfering with trunk space.

A 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine pushes out 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

Power goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, although an automatic is available as well.

The car's 50/50 weight distribution makes it feel predictable in the corners and the sticky Bridgestone Potenza tires mean there is grip for days.

Coming out of bends, the Miata won't win any straight line speed contests, but it certainly holds its own.

Mazda isn't too concerned with things like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, this tester has blind-spot monitoring, which is nice to have in the RF as blind spots are huge.

There is no glovebox in the MX-5, just a small, lockable bin between the seat backs. There really isn't a center console to speak of, either.

Taller drivers might have a hard time fitting behind the wheel of the Miata, but the new tilt and telescoping steering wheel can at least get itself out of the way of knobby knees a bit.

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at under $30,000, but this RF tester comes in at $38,955.

Keep scrolling for more photos of our favorite roadster.