Land Rover is claiming a world first with a convertible version of its premium compact sport utility vehicle Range Rover Evoque.

The Evoque arrived in 2011 in coupe and five-door forms, but the addition of a drop-top model is likely to prove popular with fashion-conscious buyers.

Based on the three-door coupe model, the Evoque Convertible comes with a folding fabric roof which Land Rover claims is the largest in the industry, folding almost out of sight when lowered yet retaining the car's distinctive shape when raised. It can be lowered in 18 seconds and raised in 21 at speeds up to 30mph.

Despite the absence of a fixed roof it boasts high levels of refinement thanks to a well-insulated hood, while boot space is 251 litres.

The convertible also gains automatic rollover protection, triggered if the car detects the possibility of an accident, with substantial body strengthening to ensure driving performance is as competent as the standard car.

It also benefits from the latest InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, offering high-speed response and the latest apps.

The full suite of lightweight, all-aluminium four-cylinder engines is available with the potent 240PS Si4 petrol and 150 and 180PS 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo diesels offering fuel economy up to 55mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 149g/km.

The Evoque Convertible, on sale from spring starts from £47,500 on the road based on a TD4 HSE Dynamic derivative.