Foton Tunland received only three stars in the accident

Starting at $34,500, the Tunland had relatively poor crash test results and had no stability control.

The newest Chinese badge to land here failed to get full scores in the Australian New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

ANCAP conducted safety tests on the Foton Tunland 4WD double-cab light commercial vehicle and rated it a three-star vehicle, a result the company expected given the lack of electronic equipment now considered mandatory for a full five-star rating.

ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh says the Tunland, starting at $34,500, had relatively poor crash test results and no stability control. “Stability control saves lives, especially in vehicles with a higher center of gravity.

There's really no excuse that a new car coming on the market today wouldn't have the stability control system that's now mandatory in passenger cars,” McIntosh says. 

Two SUV segment veterans scored highly in the latest round of testing - the Toyota LandCruiser and the veteran Mitsubishi Pajero - both upgraded to five stars with equipment and trim upgrades.

Standard equipment changes across the LandCruiser 200 Series range have added dual front knee airbags, a safety feature previously only available on top-of-the-range models. 

Mitsubishi Pajero models released since April of this year will be rated as five-star SUVs after trim and equipment upgrades have been applied to the lower part of the steering column with energy-absorbing material and a passenger seat belt warning has been added.

“This is a very popular choice for both fleets and families, and we now know that these upgraded models will be better protected,” says Mr Mackintosh.

FAA Automotive Australia director and Foton Australia light commercial and passenger vehicle spokesman Daniel Phelan predicted ANCAP results last month, saying he expects the Tunland to be rated a three-star vehicle due to the standard equipment on offer.