Hardcore Mini for two

What it lacks in size, the Mini more than makes up for in style, attitude and sheer panache.

And things are set to get a whole lot funkier with the expansion of the range, which now includes the Mini Roadster.

That's right ... a two-seater sports car which will come with a manually opening soft-top roof - and promising more fun than a comedy night at Cool Runnings.

On offer will be three variants: the Cooper Roadster, the Cooper S Roadster and the top-of-the-range John Cooper Works (JCW) Roadster, which will provide you with a side-splitting 155kW of pure joy.

Looking at the pictures from the press release and there is no mistaking those characteristics that have made Mini a favourite for generations of drivers, young and old.

Short overhangs, powerful over-the-wheel stance and that stubby nose leave no doubt that this is a thoroughbred aimed at providing what we have come to expect from the brand.

And that is a ride as close to driving a go-kart as to actually hopping in to one and scooting around Zwartkops.

The entry-level Roadster is the opening to the range and comes with a 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine that is good for 90kW and a claimed top speed a fraction under 200km/h.

Next up is the Cooper S Roadster, which comes with the same 1.6 litre engine, but a bit of tweaking here and there results in a respectable 135kW and a lock-up-and-throw-away-the-key top speed of 237km/h.

A quick glance at the figures associated with the JCW Roadster - 155kW of power and 260Nm of torque - leaves you without doubt that this is the Big Daddy and will find a home in the garage of the purist.

But no matter which variant of the Roadster you choose, you can expect a highly-specced car that will include electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, park distance control, an audio system incorporating MP3-compatible CD player, speed-sensitive steering assistance and a host of safety features as well.

If ever there has been a criticism of the Mini brand, it is that there is lack of boot space - but, with the Roadster only having two seats, it frees up some space.

That space translates into a luggage hold of 240 litres. Not exactly enough to fit a set of golf clubs, but a couple of overnight bags should be easily accommodated.

So if the saying, "two's company, three's a crowd", applies to you, then look forward to the Mini Roadster coming our way in the first quarter of next year.

The Specs:

Mini Cooper Roadster

Engine: 1598cc four-cylinder petrol

Power: 90kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 160Nm at 4250rpm

0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 199km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 5.7l/100km (claimed/ combined)

CO2: 132g/km

Price: TBC

Mini Cooper S Roadster

Engine: 1598cc four-cylinder petrol

Power: 135kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 240Nm at 1600rpm to 5000rpm

0-100km/h: 7.0 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 227km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 6.0/100km (claimed/ combined)

CO2: 139g/km

Price: TBC

Mini John Cooper Works Roadster

Engine: 1598cc four-cylinder petrol

Power: 155kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 260Nm at 1850rpm to 5600rpm

0-100km/h: 6.5 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 237km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 7.3l/100km (claimed/ combined)

CO2: 169g/km

Price: TBC