MINI has launched the 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S as the latest in its lineup of six diminutive cars. The 1.6L, 4-cylinder, Turbo 6-speed, manual drive soft-top convertible is set to do battle with the popular Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Though reviews are consistently finding the new car to be a ton of fun to drive, some reviewers have identified a few flaws with the vehicle, specifically the basic soft-top roof and its less-than stellar ride quality. Both, it is said, are below par for a $28,000 vehicle. Another disadvantage to the Cooper S is that it is a two-seater that lacks storage space.

However, that being said, the car is, as stated above, fun to drive and likewise a very distinctive-looking little car. It has the iconic stubby backend of the MINI, along with the toy-like profile of the other MINIs. In fact, the looks of its cars is perhaps the biggest challenge MINI faces going forward, since to expand, the automaker will probably need to add some new styles to its product line. However, at the same time, MINI has got to be concerned that the further it wanders from that which made it famous, the more likely its hardcore fans will drift away as well.