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