Predictably, the majority of the vehicles in the top 10 are also popular on the local market, though there are one or two lower-volume contenders that may surprise readers. In addition, it’s interesting to note that as many as 9 vehicles here employ a robust ladder-frame construction, with just a single unibody model cracking the list.
“SVI receives daily enquiries regarding armouring options for a wide range of vehicles. While we occasionally make exceptions for comparatively niche models – converting a Maserati Levante to B4 discreet, for instance – we generally advise customers to stick with the tried-and-tested vehicles. This further serves to reduce the build time as the required development has already taken place,” explains SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.
1. TOYOTA HILUX
It should come as no surprise that the Toyota Hilux – South Africa’s best-selling vehicle – is the most popular base for armouring with SVI customers. The Prospecton-built model is not only a favourite among civilians requiring B4 (handgun protection, up to .44 Magnum) and B6 (protecting against assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5) discreet armour – and now the new “SVI LITE” B2 partial armour – but also the most common recipient of SVI’s industry-leading Stopgun V2.0 semi-discreet package.
Available for all three body styles, the popular Stopgun V2.0 kit is widely regarded as the standard in SA’s broader security and mining industries. Note that the Stopgun V2.0 package for specific versions of the Hilux single cab is fully approved by Toyota, thanks to SVI’s status as an authorised converter in Toyota’s commercial-vehicle partner programme.
2. FORD RANGER
Courtesy of SVI’s long-standing relationship with Ford, the Ranger – which currently holds the title of SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie – is another extremely popular option among SVI clients. This Silverton-made model (along with the Raptor derivative imported from Thailand) can be specified with the new “SVI LITE” B2 partial armour or 360-degree B4 and B6 discreet packages.
In addition, the sleek Stopgun V3.0 security kit is available for all three body styles. Keep in mind that SVI is approved under the Ford Pro Convertor programme (previously known as the Qualified Vehicle Modifiers initiative), meaning the converted vehicle’s warranty and any selected service or maintenance plans remain intact.
3. TOYOTA FORTUNER
Built alongside the Hilux at Toyota’s plant in KwaZulu-Natal and currently holding the title of South Africa’s best-selling ladder-frame SUV, the Fortuner has long been a common sight in SVI’s factory just outside Pretoria. As with most other models here, customers have the choice of B2 partial armour or full B4 and B6 discreet armour. Perhaps we’ll see the new GR-Sport derivative on SVI’s production line soon…
4. TOYOTA LC300 (and LEXUS LX)
Having purchased one of the very first Toyota Land Cruiser 300 units in the country back in 2021 to get a head start on development, SVI has since converted several examples of this ladder-frame SUV. In effect, the Land Cruiser 300 has picked up the baton from its likewise popular-to-armour predecessor, the Land Cruiser 200.
SVI offers B2 partial armour as well as B4 and B6 discreet packages for this off-roader, along with an optional luxury-seat conversion that encompasses a pair of VIP-style pews in the second row. The latter comes complete with electric adjustment, a pneumatic massage function and even a dedicated touchscreen. Clients keen on an armoured all-terrain SUV but seeking a little more luxury than that offered by the Land Cruiser 300 often opt for the closely related Lexus LX.
5. VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK
Sharing its platform with the Ranger and indeed built by Ford alongside this model at the Silverton plant, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok (like the original V6-powered version) has quickly become a staple among SVI customers. Using their intricate knowledge of the Ranger, SVI’s experienced engineers were able to swiftly develop 360-degree B4 and B6 discreet packages for the German automaker’s bakkie, along with B2 partial armour.
6. FORD EVEREST
The latest-generation Ford Everest is available with B4 and B6 discreet armouring packages as well as B2 partial armour. As with the Ranger, SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Convertor programme means an Everest converted by the Bashewa-based armouring company retains its full warranty and selected service or maintenance plans.
7. TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 79
Toyota’s evergreen Land Cruiser 70 Series has been a steady choice for SVI customers from the armouring company’s very beginning, more than 20 years ago. However, the added versatility that comes with the latest 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, and particularly the 6-speed automatic transmission, has resulted in a rise in the Land Cruiser 79 bakkie’s popularity.
SVI offers B4 and B6 discreet packages plus the option of B2 partial armour, along with a special Stopgun V2.0 Plus security kit featuring full firewall protection and ballistic overlaps around the entirety of each door aperture. Incidentally, the rugged Land Cruiser 79 chassis also underpins SVI’s versatile MAX 3.
8. MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is the only unibody model – and indeed the only full-size people mover – to make this top 10 list. SVI offers a B4 discreet anti-hijack solution for this vehicle (plus B2 partial armour), with the carefully crafted package enjoying the full backing of the Stuttgart-based automaker. In fact, as an approved Mercedes-Benz VanPartner, SVI’s converted V-Class retains its full manufacturer warranty and maintenance plan.
9. TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO
Though Toyota’s J250-series Land Cruiser Prado hit the market in South Africa only just last year (replacing another firm favourite among SVI customers, the J150-series Prado), this retro-styled SUV has already elbowed its way onto the list. As with other ladder-frame models here, the Prado is suitable for B2 partial, B4 discreet and B6 discreet armour. We suspect we’ll see the new Lexus GX – which shares much with the turbodiesel-powered Prado but switches to a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine instead – in our factory soon.
10. NISSAN PATROL
Though long in the tooth (and, in fact, recently discontinued locally ahead of the next-generation version’s scheduled arrival in 2027), the Y62-series Nissan Patrol sneaks into the top 10 list of most-armoured vehicles among SVI customers. The rugged body-on-frame configuration and powerful naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine are key drawcards, whether the customer specifies B2 partial, B4 discreet or B6 discreet armour. A bespoke SVI-designed bullbar is also available for the Patrol.