The tiny metallic red Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Retractable Fastback (RF) tester I had this week might look like a toy. In fact, this close to the holidays I felt a bit like I was driving around in an ornament fit for a fir tree. However, despite its adorable appearance, the 2020 Mazda Miata is no toy for toddlers.

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF

As tested, the 2020 Mazda Miata with a 6-speed manual transmission has a sticker price of $34,425. However, after you add in the $595 cost of the Soul Red Crystal paint and the $945 delivery fee the total comes to $35,965. For the price, this 2020 Mazda Miata has everything you could ask for from a car like this. It’s small and sporty, and the red is basically a must-have, in my opinion––although it looks great in the other colors like gray and blue as well.

Of course, if you have a family it would have to be a second car. For most people, a spunky little two-seater like this would only make sense as a second or third car. This fact actually makes the price of the 2020 Mazda Miata even more tempting. It’s an affordable car that’s genuinely fun to drive.

It’s not for everyone

This is a car for the driving enthusiast. It will undoubtedly make any commute more fun for people who love to drive. That said, this isn’t the kind of car that you can eat a burger and simultaneously change shirts while bombing up the interstate at 80 mph.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF wants you to engage while driving. Obviously, this is what makes it so fun to drive. Dynamic turning and the convertible top make it even more fun.

But the 2020 Mazda Miata isn’t for everyone. With space for only two passengers, a low stance, and a 6-seed manual transmission, it’s not exactly a good option for carpooling. If you love a good Sunday drive on curvy backroads with the top down and your favorite song playing, you’ll want to check out the Miata.

What about the 2021 Miata?

For now, Mazda hasn’t released anything about the 2021 model for the Mazda Miata. However, we don’t think there will be any major changes to the outgoing 2020 model. The pricing will remain similar to the 2020 version.

If you know you want a Mazda MX-5 Miata but aren’t sure if you should wait for the 2021 model, we think it’s safe to say you won’t compromise much by just getting into a 2020 Miata of your choosing. It’s fun. It’s cute. In fact, besides for the already obvious compromises drivers make by choosing the Miata, there aren’t many negatives in terms of the driving experience and quality of the car––especially if you get a convertible.

The 2020 Mazda Miata is not a toy

If you get a convertible, you get to choose between a soft top and a retractable fastback. That choice––and others like which trim level to choose––is ultimately up to preference and what you think you need. As a second or third vehicle, the Miata Sport may be all you need. I will say, though, that the Grand Touring trim is pretty in tan and has every immediate amenity we want in a new car.

Either way, the 2020 Mazda Miata is not a toy. It’s fast, fun, and affordable to boot. As cute as the shiny red version I spent the week with is, this is a car for serious drivers. It may not be a toy for toddlers, but it’s definitely a fun toy for those of us on the grown-up side of things.