Caravan Insurance

The JiangLing Landwind 4x4 has been modified ahead of its launch to the European market.

Following what was described as a "catastrophic result" in the German ADAC crash test JiangLing went back to the drawing board with its new 4x4 and worked on improving crash protection.

The ADAC tests failed the Landwind comprehensively, finding gaps in its driver and passenger protection in the case of front, rear and side impacts.

"It had a catastrophic result. In our 20-year history no car has performed as badly," explained an ADAC spokesman to 4Car.

The firm has modified the car's steering column and fuel line set up, as well as reinforcing the frame after it was found that a driver could sustain significant injuries in a 30mph side impact and would be unlikely to survive a 40mph head-on collision.

While JiangLing claims that the modifications gave the car much better results in the German TUV tests it will not have to conform to European standards in the immediate future as the company only plans to bring a limited number to the European market.

Drivers who are happy to live with the car's safety rating could enjoy one of the cheapest 4x4s in Europe though. The car is expected to go on offer in the UK for around £5,000 less than the similar sized Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon.