The new Maverick is Ford's entry into the UK's fast-growing compact sports utility vehicle segment.

The vehicle has been designed for customers across the world and will be sold in more than 150 countries.

It was first launched in the US as the Ford Escape in August and was an instant success. In addition to collecting awards from US media, it attracted 75,000 orders in its first three months.

The compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment now accounts for almost 61 per cent of overall SUV sales in the UK, which last year totalled more than 106,000.

Ford chairman and managing director Ian McAllister said: "It will appeal to a new group of customers. It looks like a 4x4, drives like a car, has estate care versatility and off-road capability."

Ford said the Maverick's styling was developed specifically to reflect the tastes of a younger buyer and a more active lifestyle.

Highlights of the new vehicle include five-speed manual transmission with a 2.0-litre engine, four-speed automatic, including overdrive with a 3.0-litre V6 engine, and intelligent Control-Trac II automatic 4x4 system that switches drive from front to rear wheels as required.

A dash-mounted button selects manual 4x4 lock for optimum off-road capability and its 1,700kg towing capacity (with V6 engine) is enough to pull large trailers. It has a 1,830-litre luggage area.

The Maverick has been based on a new platform developed in partnership with Mazda and right-hand drive models will be built at Mazda's Hofu plant in Japan.

The 2.0-litre Zetec engine produces 124 horsepower at 5,400rpm while the powerful 3.0-litre Duratec V6 engine delivers 197 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful engines offered in the compact sport utility segment. The V6 drives through a four-speed automatic transmission with electronic overdrive.

All Mavericks are fitted with an adjustable roof rack, offering customers the ability to secure additional luggage. Custom bike and ski brackets will also be available through dealers. The rear load area is easily accessible through an easy-open liftgate or the separately opening rear glass. A rear wash-wipe is fitted as standard.