At the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche celebrates the world premiere of the all new Macan, a model that sees the German sports car manufacturer expand its range to a whole new vehicle segment. As the first Porsche in the compact SUV segment, the Macan is expected to set new standards in dynamic performance - on both paved streets and uneven terrain.

The name is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger. And the Macan really does live up to its name: powerful and ready to pounce at any time, yet light-footed and tenacious on off-road terrain.

Technical highlights include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive and the Porsche PDK double-clutch transmission fitted as standard. The body conceals highly efficient six-cylinder engines, which provide powerful propulsion while achieving favourable fuel consumption figures.

With a width of 1,923mm (excluding the exterior mirrors) and a height of 1,624mm, the Macan is a compact and dynamic vehicle. The low centre of gravity and wheelbase of 2,807mm provide enhanced driving stability, particularly when cornering. These features, combined with a length of 4,681mm (Macan Turbo: 4,699mm), mean that the Macan has the sportiest proportions in its segment.

A turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine rated at 258bhp, accelerates the SUV from nought to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and returns an average of 19.7km/L. The Macan S is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine that delivers 340bhp, accelerates to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and returns up to 13.8km/L.

The 3.6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the Macan Turbo produces 400bhp and accelerates to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds or 4.6 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted. Although the top speed is 265km/h, the Macan Turbo delivers fuel consumption figures of up to 13.4km/L, which equates to a CO₂ value as low as 208g/km.

The sporting DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is also immediately recognisable in the design. The car is unrivalled in its low, broad profile on the road.

For instance, the side view window graphics and the sloping roof line at the rear, known at Porsche as the ‘flyline’, are a clear nod to the 911. The rear wheelarches also have the soft profile of the 911.

The basic shape of its main headlights is based on that of the 918 Spyder, while the sideblades at the bottom of the front and rear doors are reminiscent of the lower door seams on the hybrid super sports car.

The rear lights on the Macan are another striking feature, boasting an extremely compact three-dimensional design and LED technology - a further reference to the 918 Spyder. On all models, the rear diffuser is flanked on both sides by twin tailpipes - round on the Macan S and Macan S Diesel and square on the Turbo.

All models are available with chrome-plated stainless steel sport tailpipes as an option. As part of the acoustic design, the petrol models include an exhaust flap, in addition to various other components. The flap is map-controlled and load-dependent, which dictates when it opens and shuts.

Inside, the Macan is fitted with a multi-function sports steering wheel as standard, the design of which is completely new and based on that in the 918 Spyder. The driver and passenger seats feature the low position - typical of sports cars.

Three round dials with a centrally positioned tachometer combine to form the instrument cluster. The right-hand tube is home to the high-resolution, 4.8-inch colour display. The forward-sloping centre console with the high-set gear selector typical of racing cars draws the driver even further into the cockpit.

Multiple technologies contribute to the vehicle's low fuel consumption levels. The standard automatic Start Stop function shuts off the engine as soon as the Macan brakes to a speed of 2.25km/h. When the brake is released, the engine is restarted quickly and smoothly.

When drivers lift their foot off the accelerator pedal, the coasting function decouples the engine to allow the vehicle to roll over a longer distance than if the engine was engaged. As soon as the accelerator pedal or brake is actuated again, the PDK selects the appropriate gear and engages the clutch. Up to 1.0L/100km of fuel can be saved in everyday driving situations.

The luggage compartment volume is 500 litres, which expands to 1,500 litres when the back seats are folded down fully.