Motorists beware - you could end up paying for that cheap car with your life.

The latest ANCAP safety ratings have revealed poor results for some cheaper vehicles from China.

In particular, the Great Wall V200 ute performed poorly, with driver protection described as marginal at best.

That's despite it having dual front airbags and antilock brakes.

AA spokeswoman Stella Stocks says the low price of such vehicles might seem attractive, but it can come at a cost.

She says to be careful if a car's sales material doesn't mention its ANCAP rating.