AN all-new model from Porsche is about as rare as hens' teeth and when one arrives it's a time for global celebrations.

So when the sports car maker's first ever compact SUV was launched it was premiered at motor shows in both the USA and Japan - and the unveiling was even broadcast worldwide via an internet TV link.

The all-new Macan sees the German manufacturer expand its range into a whole new vehicle segment and puts it in head-on competition with the likes of Land Rover, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Available to order now and arriving in the UK in April next year, the Macan is the first ever Porsche in the compact SUV segment but, according to its makers, it will have the sporting DNA of its high performance stablemates. It is, says the company, the first SUV that is also a sports car.

The Macan will be available in three versions which will all include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive and PDK double-clutch auto transmission fitted as standard. Prices start at £43,300 rising to £59,300.

The Macan S is powered by a 340hp, three-litre V6 bi-turbo engine which provides acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and returns up to 32.5 mpg. The 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the Macan Turbo produces 400 hp and accelerates the vehicle to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, with an average fuel consumption of up to 31.7 mpg.

With a turbocharged three-litre V6 diesel engine and 258 hp (190 kW), the Macan S Diesel accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds and returns an average of 46.3 mpg.

The range of equipment fitted on the Macan as standard is extensive and includes the all-wheel drive, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, alloy wheels, high performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate.

The Macan S comes with a Piano Black interior package and Alcantara seat trim while the Turbo model is fitted with adaptive, leather sports seats as standard including 18-way power adjustment and memory functions and a brushed aluminium interior package. In addition, all models are available with dark walnut and carbon decors as an option.

There's also a long list of optional special equipment such as air suspension - a first in this market segment - Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which has been specially tailored to the Macan and distributes varying levels of drive torque to the rear wheels working in conjunction with an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock.

Other options include a dynamic light system which continuously adjusts the headlight level in keeping with the traffic ahead and any oncoming vehicles.