Having been a practising motoring specialist for print, online, and broadcast for many years, today’s piece is the saddest I have written.
Cars are supposed to bring joy to our lives, over and above the fact that they move us from point A to B.
Assassinations are fast becoming a norm in South Africa. We all feel like sitting ducks waiting to be taken out at any moment.
Having said that, some methods could help “protect” yourself such as armoured cars.
Armoured cars aren’t something ordinary people think about every day. In fact, it does not cross our minds, but it is becoming clear that perhaps we should, uncomfortable as it is.
SVI Engineering is an equipment manufacturer that has specialised in armoured vehicles since 2004. The company is a market leader in Africa, serving the private, corporate, security, mining, and governmental segments.
SVI has released the second episode this week in its innovative Shoot Through series of videos, this time investigating whether a Volkswagen Polo engine block can stop a round fired from an AK47.
“When it comes to gunfire, it’s sometimes said one of the only reliable areas of cover on a standard vehicle is directly behind the engine block. So, is this an accurate claim?
“While it depends on exactly where the sample is hit, we decided to carry out our test, securing a VW Polo engine block at the end of our underground shooting range, mounting an AK47 in our test rig, and pulling the trigger,” said CEO of SVI, Jaco de Kock.
“An engine block may well be capable of stopping an AK47 round, it provides only limited cover at best. In contrast, our 360-degree level B6 armouring packages have been meticulously engineered to minimise ballistic gaps, offering vehicle occupants the ultimate level of protection, this is according to SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.
The company has also developed a new B6 discreet package for the latest version of the Nissan Patrol, handing the luxury all-terrain SUV the highest level of civilian protection available without a special permit.
The discreetly armoured Patrol offers 360-degree B6 protection against assault rifles, including AK47, R5, and R1. Though Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 has fast become a firm favourite with SVI clients seeking a B6-armoured luxury SUV with off-road capability, the launch of a concealed protection package. To save on both cost and overall mass, the 360-degree B6 armouring package for the Patrol incorporates a rear bulkhead neatly integrated behind the second row. A suspension upgrade is also included as standard, allowing the SUV to easily manage the additional mass of the comprehensive array of armouring materials, as are upgraded door hinges and protection for critical under-bonnet components.
The 360-degree B6 armouring solution for the Nissan Patrol is priced from R981 823 (excluding VAT), while the list of options includes items such as B6 roof armour, B6 floor armour, a PA system, and heavy-duty run-flat rings for the tyres. The build time is set at around four months. SVI also offers a B4 package – providing protection against handguns up to .44 Magnum – priced from R722 158 (excluding VAT).
Nissan Patrol 360-degree B4 armour – R722 158 (ex VAT)
Nissan Patrol 360-degree B6 armour – R981 823 (ex VAT)
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