“We’ve had another incredibly busy year here at SVI. We not only launched our groundbreaking new SVI LITE partial-armouring solution and commenced sales of our 12-seater MAX SWAT but also developed bespoke new B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages for several models,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

So, which nameplates were the most popular for armouring at SVI in 2025? Well, it’s interesting to note all models in the top 5 employ a robust ladder-frame platform, a configuration well suited to carrying the added weight of armouring components (particularly when it comes to full B6 protection). Furthermore, while the podium places are occupied by bakkies, SUVs take the final two positions.

1. Toyota Hilux – 90 units armoured

Considering it remains South Africa’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Hilux predictably takes the top spot, with as many as 90 units having been fitted with SVI armour in 2025. Equipped with the company’s Stopgun V2.0 package, the locally built bakkie is the default choice in SA’s security industry.

Additionally, the Stopgun V2.0 kit for specific versions of the Hilux single cab is fully approved by the Japanese brand, thanks to SVI’s status as an authorised converter in Toyota’s commercial-vehicle partner programme. However, the double-cab version is also a popular option among civilians who require B4 (handgun protection, up to .44 Magnum) and B6 (protecting against assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5) discreet armour.

2. FORD RANGER – 29 units armoured

The local market’s second most popular bakkie also takes the runner-up position on this list. Over the course of 2025, the Bashewa-based company has armoured 29 examples of the Ford Ranger, all of which retained their vehicle warranty (and any selected service or maintenance plans) thanks to SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Convertor programme (previously known as the Qualified Vehicle Modifiers initiative).

Fascinatingly, the Thailand-sourced Raptor was easily the most popular Ranger derivative, accounting for 21 of the 29 units armoured (with locally built Ranger variants making up the balance). As recently as September 2025, SVI announced a new B6 discreet armouring option for the V6-powered Raptor, launching it as SA’s first Ford-approved assault-rifle protection package for this high-performance derivative.

3. Volkswagen Amarok – 22 units armoured

Since several other bakkies outsell the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok on the local new-vehicle market, it may surprise some that the German firm’s contender makes it onto the podium here. However, the latest Amarok – just like the original version – has fast become a favourite among SVI customers, with as many as 22 units armoured in 2025.

Since the Amarok shares its platform with the Ranger (and is indeed built by Ford alongside this model at the Blue Oval brand’s Silverton facility in Gauteng), SVI’s engineers were able to apply their knowledge of Ford’s bakkie to develop the required armouring packages for the VW version.

4. Ford Everest – 11 units armoured

The most popular SUV for armouring at SVI in 2025 was the Ford Everest. In the end, 11 units of this Thai-built model moved through the company’s armouring facility during the year, with both B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages applied.

As with the closely related Ranger bakkie, SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Convertor programme means an Everest converted by the armouring company (including with SVI LITE partial armour) retains its full warranty as well as any selected service or maintenance plans.

5. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – 7 units armoured

The model that closes out the top 5 is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Like the previous-generation Prado, this latest J250-series model is an ideal candidate for both B4 discreet and B6 discreet armour, with 7 units having been converted by SVI in 2025.

SVI launched bespoke B4 and B6 protection packages for the new Prado – a model that remains in short supply on the local new-vehicle market, with customers continuing to face lengthy waiting lists – in the first quarter of the year. Should supply to South Africa improve, there’s every chance this model will climb the list in 2026.

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The brief was for a patrol and intercept vehicle that is capable of withstanding fire from assault rifles from multiple assailants in non-permissible terrain. The vehicle had to be able to handle difficult off-road situations, cope with additional weight of equipment and be equipped to provide operators with maximum visibility for night operations. The vehicle must also be as discreet as possible and not illustrate that it is a patrol/security/armoured vehicle in anyway, while remaining robust and capable of long-term reliability.

The requirement for a discreet armoured vehicle usually requires that the vehicle is not visibly armoured from the outside. The Armormax approach though means that it must not be intrusive to any of the vehicle functions, dynamics or aesthetics as far as is reasonably practical, both on the exterior and interior. This involves the use of lightweight armouring solutions, OEM-fit ballistic glass and the retention of all original OEM panels and surfaces. The requirement for a robust vehicle capable of permanently operating in non-permissible terrain while ensuring long-term reliability often contradicts the design of a discreet armoured vehicle. The challenge with this bespoke design was to integrate both approaches to vehicle armour, whilst not diluting the strengths or nature of either approach. Our dedication to lightweight solutions has meant that the total weight of the conversion and all accessories comes in at a minimal 519 kg.

Armour specifications:

For the opaque armour fitted to the vehicle, a combination of Ramor and Armox ballistic steel sourced internationally was used for all internal areas and surfaces including the doors, pillars, firewalls, front fenders, headers and full-side overlaps. These provide B6 level protection. Importantly, no structural mounting points or load-bearing chassis elements are altered or moved in the armouring process. Floor and roof armour are made up of lightweight composite materials in line with B6 EN 1036 levels of defeat. The fuel tank is coated and sealed with Armorcote, which allows for self-sealing in the instance of penetration or damage. The battery and ECU are protected with lightweight composite material.

The B6 ballistic windscreen from Optima is an OEM-fit screen that does not appear cosmetically different to a standard windscreen. Side windows are a custom design fitted with Phoenix B6 ballistic glass integrated into a bolt-on/bolt-off frame made of ballistic steel. This option was chosen so that any maintenance required to the door internals can be carried out with ease. The standard OEM windows are retained, but are inoperable, to maintain the standard OEM appearance of the vehicle. The rear window is a custom design fitted with Phoenix B6 ballistic glass, bolted to a ballistic steel frame on a quick-release system that can be used as an escape hatch in the event of an emergency. This was chosen over the use of a roof-based escape system in the case of vehicle rollover, as the rear hatch can be used no matter the position of the rested vehicle.

The two rear doors and front passenger door have been fitted with bespoke sliding gun ports capable of accommodating the muzzle of any assault firearm and have been ergonomically positioned for an operator to comfortably discharge a weapon from inside the vehicle. These were chosen over the traditional glass-mounted round ports to keep the vehicle as discreet as possible.

Visibility:

Considering the nature of the environments these vehicles will likely operate in; due consideration was given to all possible situations that may be encountered by the operators. The following was fitted to the vehicle:

• High-powered LED light bars, mounted to a premium roof rack for the sides and rear of the vehicle, in instances where discretion is not required. This illuminates a large area around the vehicle.
• High-powered rotating spotlight mounted to the front of the roof rack at an elevated position. This spotlight is operated via a portable remote control that can be used inside or outside the vehicle and is capable of 360 degree movement to light up any specific area. It can be moved horizontally and vertically.
• White strobe lights that are hidden in the front grille and in the taillights of the vehicle where situations require a visible warning signal.
• Roof-mounted infra-red camera that can distinguish individuals from surroundings and is linked to a tablet mounted inside the vehicle. This is perfect for situations where the vehicle must not be detected, or where potential threats are not immediately visible or hidden from the rotating spotlight. This camera even allows for low-speed driving visibility in total darkness and can record incidents if required.
• These systems are all powered by a secondary battery with an integrated REDARC in-vehicle battery charger.

Communication:

The vehicle is fitted with a PA system with an integrated siren, as well as a close quarters Push To Talk system for two-way communication inside of the vehicle.

Mobility:

The vehicle is fitted with a top-of-the-range adjustable heavy-duty Old Man Emu suspension upgrade. The adjustable suspension allows for calibration and tuning to suit several specific environments and surfaces and is designed to improve stability and agility in off-road situations with a high vehicle load.

Each wheel has been fitted with a military-grade Duraflat run flat system, to prevent disbanding of the tyre from the wheel when fully deflated and allows the operator to continue driving without the wheel making contact with the road surface.

Marketing Manager Michael Broom remarks: “It is our strong belief that we have met the vehicle requirements and have successfully integrated both approaches to vehicle armour that results in a vehicle that is practical, discreet, functional and durable. This has hence provided our client with a solution that will meet its operational objectives while keeping its operators safe at all times. We do expect that potential clients in the security industry would find this vehicle incredibly versatile and appealing.”

The base vehicle for this project was the 2.0 Turbo Diesel XL 4×4 Automatic model, but the upgrade can be fitted to any Ford Ranger Double Cab, with the exception of the Raptor models due to their lower GVM. The conversion does not hamper or interfere with the standard Manufacturer warranty or service plans, such is the nature of the Ford QVM program. Even the additional fitments and accessories were sourced from other Ford QVM partners. The total cost of the package, including all the extra fitments and accessories is R1 043 478,26 excluding VAT and the base vehicle. A 3 year warranty is provided on the armouring components and workmanship.

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As has been the case with the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 6×4 and 6×6 applications, the Ford Ranger 6×4 is aimed at not only tackling extreme terrains and being able to carry heavy loads, but the passengers will now be able to do so in the relative luxury and comfort that is associated with Ford’s Ranger model line-up, Ulterio Motiv said.

The product has been designed, developed and homologated to be able to carry an increased capacity leading to a maximum GVM of 4500 kg. This means a total payload of more than 2000 kg (model dependant) is now possible. Drivers will have to be in the possession of a C1 licence, the old code 10 licence. 

The base 6×4 chassis is supplied to individuals or companies that manufacture their own loading bin, closed canopy or any other design whether for camping, or for example, emergency services. Ultimately this new 6×4 chassis is a blank canvas for the potential end user. More importantly, all the comfort, luxury and safety systems from the original Ranger remains once the conversion has been completed, Ulterio Motiv emphasised.

Following the conversion, Ulterio Motiv can also manufacture the custom drop-side load bin. It is 1.6 metres wide and 2.5 metres long as shown in the pictures. These are the interior dimensions. 

The standard Ford chassis is extended to cater for the extra length needed to add the non-driven third axle. This load-carrying axle does not impact on the standard Ford drivetrain and the 4×4 system, with the differential-lock still in place.

The rear suspension setup works on the principle of a bogie system that results in the third axle carrying around 40% of the rear mass with the middle (driven) axle around 60% of the rear mass. This provides the driven axle with more grip because of the higher contact force between the driven wheels and the road surface improving traction.

The braking system has been upgraded by adding a disc-brake setup to the third axle which also benefits from the standard Ford ABS system.

The scope of product possibilities is widened by the fact that any Ford Ranger 4×4 from the current generation can be converted including the single-, extended or double-cab variants. 

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“As South Africa’s most powerful bakkie, the Ranger Raptor is an unparalleled base for a rapid-response vehicle with high-speed off-road capabilities. Fitted with our Ford-backed B4 armouring package, this solution also offers proven ballistic protection, making it the ideal choice for South Africa’s private security firms,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

SVI’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) status with Ford means this B4 armouring package for the Raptor can be ordered directly from any Blue Oval dealership in South Africa, with the bakkie’s standard warranty and any selected service or maintenance plan remaining intact. In addition, the entire package, including the purchase price of the Raptor and the cost of the armour, can be financed via Ford Credit.

B4 DISCREET PACKAGE FOR RANGER RAPTOR

Thanks to SVI’s in-depth knowledge of the Ranger as part of its long-standing partnership with Ford, this bespoke B4 discreet armouring solution sets a new standard in the industry, SVI said. Providing comprehensive 360-degree protection against handguns (up to .44 Magnum) for the entire passenger cell, the bullet-resistant package includes 21 mm armoured glass curved to original-equipment specification as well as precisely cut-and-bonded Kevlar sheets for the body. In addition, armoured-steel plates are used in various smaller, otherwise typically more vulnerable areas, such as the pillars.

Meanwhile, critical powertrain elements are protected by armour concealed in the front fenders, while certain under-bonnet components also receive bullet-resistant protection. Moreover, the Ranger Raptor’s various driver-assistance safety systems – including those that rely on sensors mounted behind the windscreen – remain completely operational.

Considering the Raptor’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine generates 292 kW and 583 Nm, SVI’s lightweight armouring solution has a virtually imperceptible impact on acceleration and dynamic performance. Furthermore, thanks to the minimal overall mass added, the FOX suspension system – which includes live valve internal bypass shock absorbers with position-sensitive damping – is retained, meaning this rapid-response bakkie remains eminently capable, both off-road and on.

“In short, our B4-armoured Raptor is the ultimate go-anywhere rapid-response vehicle, combining high-speed off-road capabilities with confidence-inspiring road manners and, of course, our meticulously engineered bullet-resistant package. This, then, is surely both the fastest and the safest rapid-response bakkie out there,” concluded Louw.

The new Ranger Raptor rapid-response bakkie will be displayed at SVI’s stand during the upcoming Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 expo, which is scheduled to take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 18 to 22 September 2024. Find SVI at Stand 4OS2 in Outdoor Hangar 4.

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Michael Broom, Armormax Marketing Manager, explains: “Ford SA approached us in the beginning of the year to take part in the QVM programme, at the request of their Government and Fleet Sales department. It was rather serendipitous in fact as we had already armoured several units of the new Ranger and Everest models for some of our existing clients. We found that since the launch of these two models, many of our existing clients that had owned vehicles from premium manufacturers were now purchasing these vehicles for business and private use. We feel that’s a testament to just how good a vehicle the Ranger and Everest are.”

In March this year, Armormax were awarded the QVM status by Ford SA shortly after delivering their 3rd Everest model armoured to B4 specification. Since the launch of the new Ford Ranger, Armormax has built several examples in both B4 and B6 guise. Their approach to vehicle armouring of using the lightest, highest grade ballistic materials available globally means that even the B6 package on the Ranger is only fractionally heavier than B4 packages offered by the competition. This means that the vehicle owner still has much of the maximum permissible weight at their disposal to carry loads without the need for altered suspensions or braking systems.

“We are very pleased to be part of the QVM programme and be able to offer customers our solution with the added peace of mind of a warranty and service plan that is unaffected. You can order your Armormax package through any one of the dealers or come to us directly. Together with Ford SA, we have a sound strategy to work together to introduce ourselves to Ford customers and dealers and provide them with a refreshing level of quality and service from the top drawer,” Armormax said.

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