Armoured vehicle specialist SVI Engineering has released a list of its ten most frequently armoured vehicles, based on customer demand over the past several years. The ranking, drawn from the company’s internal data, reflects trends in both personal security and commercial protection, with most models based on high-selling vehicles in South Africa.

Nine of the ten vehicles feature ladder-frame construction, a design typically preferred for armouring due to its structural strength. Only one unibody model made the list.

According to Nicol Louw, SVI’s Business Development Director, the company fields daily enquiries about armouring options. “While we occasionally accommodate niche models – such as a Maserati Levante – we typically recommend proven platforms. This streamlines development and reduces build time,” Louw said.

1. Toyota Hilux

South Africa’s top-selling vehicle also leads in armouring popularity. The locally built Hilux is widely armoured across civilian and commercial sectors. SVI offers B2 partial, B4 discreet, and B6 discreet armour, along with its Stopgun V2.0 package, a semi-discreet system used extensively in the security and mining industries. SVI is an authorised converter under Toyota’s commercial vehicle programme.

2. Ford Ranger

Also produced in South Africa, the Ranger is a core product for SVI. Armouring options include B2 partial, B4, and B6 discreet packages, along with the Stopgun V3.0 kit. SVI’s Ford Pro Converter approval ensures full warranty and maintenance coverage for converted vehicles.

3. Toyota Fortuner

Built alongside the Hilux, the Fortuner remains a consistent choice for clients seeking an armoured SUV. It is available with B2, B4, and B6 solutions, and is expected to see continued demand with newer derivatives like the GR-Sport.

4. Toyota Land Cruiser 300 / Lexus LX

The Land Cruiser 300, which replaced the LC200, is a frequent subject of SVI conversions. Clients can choose from B2, B4, and B6 armour levels, with an optional luxury rear-seat configuration. The Lexus LX, sharing the same platform, offers a more premium alternative.

5. Volkswagen Amarok

Built by Ford at its Silverton plant, the second-generation Amarok shares architecture with the Ranger. SVI quickly adapted its systems to this model, offering full B4 and B6 discreet packages and B2 partial armour.

6. Ford Everest

The body-on-frame Everest SUV is armoured with the same range of packages as the Ranger. Warranty and service plan coverage is retained due to SVI’s approval in Ford’s converter programme.

7. Toyota Land Cruiser 79

A long-time favourite for heavy-duty applications, the Land Cruiser 79 has grown in popularity due to recent drivetrain upgrades. SVI offers B2, B4, and B6 packages, plus a Stopgun V2.0 Plus variant with enhanced protection features.

8. Mercedes-Benz V-Class

The only unibody and people-mover on the list, the V-Class is available with B2 and B4 discreet armour. As an approved Mercedes-Benz VanPartner, SVI ensures the converted vehicle retains factory support.

9. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The recently launched J250-series Prado quickly earned a spot on the list. It supports B2, B4, and B6 discreet armouring. SVI expects interest to extend to the related Lexus GX in the near future.

10. Nissan Patrol

Despite being discontinued in South Africa, the Y62 Patrol remains popular among SVI’s clients. The SUV’s ladder-frame chassis and 5.6-litre V8 make it well-suited for armouring. Available kits include B2, B4, and B6, with an optional SVI-designed bullbar.

SVI’s list reflects a clear preference for robust, ladder-frame vehicles capable of accommodating a variety of ballistic protection levels. The company expects ongoing demand as security concerns continue to shape vehicle purchasing decisions across multiple sectors.

The Prado that turns heads and stops bullets

Ricardo Teixeira — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:56:21 +0000

Leading South African luxury armoured car builder Armormax have just completed their first armoured 5th generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. By all accounts it’s the first armoured Prado in South Africa too.

Marketing Manager Michael Broom says, “It came time a few months ago to build a new demonstration model, and we had a tough time choosing which vehicle to develop next in a market that is filled with so much choice. We had seen the Prado at the Nampo show two months earlier and were blown away by the design, the space and functionality of the new light-duty off-roader. A quick look into the launch sales figures convinced us that this was the way to go. With waiting lists stretching into 2026, it almost didn’t happen but thanks to our friends at Toyota, we found a unit.”

The Prado has a loyal customer base in South Africa and has in recent years had its segment raided by a number of newcomers hoping to steal its place on the perch. The 5th generation Prado is a revelation in terms of what it offers for what it costs, especially when compared to what is on offer from the traditional premium manufacturers in this segment. The new 2.8 litre diesel powerplant matched to an all-new 8 speed automatic transmission is more than competent to haul 7 people plus the horse box, trailer or boat you’re pulling behind you. With the B4 armouring package fitted to the Armormax demo vehicle, it barely feels the additional 187 kg added by the lightweight armour, Armormax said.

“The Prado is built on the same GA-F platform as the Land Cruiser 300 Series of which we have now armoured 21 examples since it’s local introduction. So in terms of product development, much of the car was quite familiar to us. Typically the development of a new product can take up to 6 months – the Prado took 7 weeks from start to finish” adds Broom. “We are more than satisfied that the fit and finish of the completed vehicle meets the high standards that Armormax has set in the past for discreet, lightweight and unintrusive armour”.

The B4 package offers protection against handguns up to a .44 Magnum. All doors, panels, pillars and any other exposed area have been armoured with a lightweight ballistic composite providing an impenetrable barrier between occupants and would-be attackers. All windows have been replaced with OEM-matching 21 mm ballistic glass. Included in the package is the armouring of the roof, run-flat bands and a push-to-talk intercom system. With an added weight of just 187 kg, there is no noticeable effect on performance or dynamics, particularly off-road. The cost of the package fitted to the Prado is R754 000 excluding VAT. This includes a 36 month warranty on the armouring components and workmanship.

Broom concludes “we have no doubt the Prado is going to be a popular model amongst armoured vehicle owners. It offers so much for comparably less than you expect, and this 5th generation version is filled with features and modern tech to appeal to a much wider audience than it traditionally did. We love driving it and plan on taking it on tour in South Africa next year to show it to Toyota dealers and potential customers around the country”.

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SVI Engineering Reveals Top 10 Most-Armoured Vehicles in South Africa