Chinese Landwind fails Euro NCAP

Chinese manufacturer Landwind failed to get a rating for its SUV in its first independent crash test in 2005 when the vehicle scored the worst results in 30 years of crash testing, even at low speeds.

Now the Landwind CV9 mid-sized people mover has received two stars in the official Euro NCAP testing.  It was the lowest rating of the 14 cars crashed in the latest round of testing.

Ten cars achieved Euro NCAP's maximum award of five stars and the other three received four stars.  Landwind claimed their CV9 "has been revamped to meet the strictest European safety standards".  However, the car only scored two stars because it lacks a side protection airbag, a head protection device and electronic stability control.

The only Chinese vehicle available in Australia is the Great Wall utility which initially scored two stars in Australian crash testing, but has been upgraded with front airbags, anti-skid brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution to lift its rating to four stars.

The first Chinese-built passenger cars, from Chery and Geely, are expected to hit Australian showrooms early next year.  Euro NCAP boss Michiel van Ratingen says they will test more Chinese vehicles as they became more popular in Europe.

In the other test results, five stars were awarded to the Audi A1 which is coming next year, Mini Countryman, Kia Sportage, VW Passat and cars not available in Australia such as the Ford C-Max, Kia Venga and Opel Meriva.  Four-star results went to the coming VW Amarok utility and Jaguar XF.

The Jaguar rating was limited by adult and child occupant protection. In the side pole impact of the XF, chest protection was rated as weak and the car's seat and head restraint provided marginal whiplash protection.