- SVI launches B6 discreet armour for new Prado
- 360-degree protection against assault rifles
- SVI goes the extra mile with windscreen overlaps
- B4 discreet armouring package also available
SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has developed a bespoke armouring package for the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, handing this sought-after 4×4 SUV concealed level B6 protection.
Representing the highest grade of civilian-vehicle armour available in South Africa without the need for a special permit, the new B6 discreet package affords occupants of the J250-generation Prado comprehensive protection against ammunition fired from assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5.
“The previous-generation Land Cruiser Prado was a popular choice among SVI customers, with its robust ladder-frame chassis and reliable powertrain making it an ideal candidate for B6 armour. Considering the immense local interest in the new Prado – not to mention the various advancements over the preceding version – we have no doubt this latest model will likewise become a staple in our range,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.
B6 DISCREET PACKAGE FOR NEW PRADO
SVI’s exceedingly experienced engineering team (the company celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2024) worked tirelessly to develop a B6 discreet armouring solution specific to the latest Land Cruiser Prado. Offering comprehensive 360-degree protection, the resulting armoured SUV – which rides on the Japanese automaker’s durable TNGA-F underpinnings – is the ideal vehicle for high-profile individuals who require the loftiest level of civilian protection available.
The Bashewa-based firm’s field-proven formula includes the extensive use of custom-fabricated armoured steel plates, composite materials and high-grade 38 mm ballistic glass, with the latter curved to OEM specification. SVI’s solution is furthermore set apart by the fact that it incorporates ballistic overlaps not just around all door apertures and all side windows but around the windscreen, too.
To save on cost and mass, the B6 package for the Prado features an armoured rear bulkhead – complete with an escape hatch – neatly integrated behind the cabin’s second row of seats. As is the case with all of SVI’s discreet armouring packages, the vehicle’s various driver-assistance safety systems (including those that rely on sensors positioned behind the windscreen) remain fully operational after the conversion.
Toyota’s trusty 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (1GD-FTV) – which delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm to all four corners through an eight-speed automatic transmission – is well equipped to handle the added mass of the various armouring components, while a suspension upgrade and uprated door hinges are included in the package as standard.
COST AND BUILD TIME
The 360-degree B6 discreet armouring solution for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – available for both the TX and VX-R trim levels – is priced from R1,136,814 (excluding VAT). SVI also offers a B4 discreet package, which protects against handguns (up to .44 Magnum) and is priced from R746,419 (excluding VAT).
In each case, the list of options includes items such as roof armour, floor armour, a PA system and imported heavy-duty runflat rings for the tyres. The project build time for both the B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages is set at approximately three months.
- Prado 360-degree B4 discreet armour – R746,419 (ex VAT)
- Prado 360-degree B6 discreet armour – R1,136,814 (ex VAT)
*figures exclude VAT and the purchase price of the base vehicle
