Local vehicle armouring specialists SVI has commenced the rollout of its “discreet” anti-hijacking product “LITE”, which aims to provide a greater level of protection (than typical “smash-and-grab” solutions) for drivers of some of SA’s most popular models.
Speaking at the launch of the new product, Jaco de Kock – the CEO of the Pretoria-based firm – said that SVI was well aware that most South African consumers could simply not afford the significant investment that B4- or B6-level discreet armouring packages require. Therefore, SVI set out to develop a considerably more cost-effective solution to combat hijacking attempts specifically: SVI LITE.
“Since SVI LITE originated from an idea to make vehicle armour more accessible to the broader motoring public, it made sense for us to focus on some of South Africa’s most popular vehicles,” said De Kock.
“And, while we’re launching with the Toyota Corolla Cross and Ford Ranger, we will soon extend this range to the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest,” he added.
SVI LITE is only available for suitable vehicles’ side closures (doors and their accompanying windows), with the customer able to specify how many doors are to be armoured. In each case, the vehicle door gains concealed Kevlar panels, while the standard window glass is replaced with special lightweight armoured glass. From the outside, there is no quick way to identify a car that is fitted with SVI LITE.
Together, these components deliver B2-level protection and are thus rated to stop 9 mm, 124-grain rounds fired from a handgun. These are the weapons typically used during hijacking attempts.
“In much the same way as a bullet-resistant vest protects vital organs of the human body, our new SVI LITE solution covers critical areas of the vehicle that are typically targeted during a hijacking attempt,” explained SVI business development director Nicol Louw.
The armouring components add 15 kg to each door, meaning vehicle performance is virtually unaffected. Furthermore, the ballistic glass is light enough to allow for the standard operation of the side windows in most vehicles, resulting in unhindered access to parking-ticket machines, biometric readers and the like.
SVI demonstrated LITE’s protection capability live during the launch event, with CEO Jaco de Kock firing three 9-mm rounds at a Ford Ranger Raptor’s front passenger window.
The benefit of the fitment of SVI LITE is not only restricted to protection when shots are being fired at the occupants but also about giving the driver the confidence to drive away from a potential hijacking.
As SVI has earned Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) status with long-term partner Ford – resulting in factory-backed B4- and B6-level discreet armouring packages for the Everest and Ranger, as well as a B6 Stopgun V3.0 security kit for the latter – fitment of the new SVI LITE products on the Everest and Ranger likewise have no impact on the original manufacturer warranty or any selected service plans.
How long does it take, and how much does it cost?
Compared with comprehensive B4-level armour, which for a medium-sized SUV starts at about R750 000 (ex VAT), SVI LITE is far more attainable. The price per closure for the Toyota Corolla Cross is R54 950 (excluding VAT), which rises to R64 950 (excluding VAT) for the Ford Ranger due to its bigger size.
So, as an example, should a customer wish to have all 4 doors of a Toyota Corolla Cross protected using the new SVI LITE solution, the total would come to R219 800 (excluding VAT).
Regardless of the number of closures specified, fitment at SVI’s world-class facility outside Pretoria takes just 2 weeks. Initial installations are scheduled to start from the beginning of May 2025.
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