South African armoured vehicle specialist SVI Engineering has introduced a B6 discreet armouring package for the new Toyota Hilux double cab. This package provides the highest grade of civilian protection available for South Africa's best-selling vehicle without requiring a special permit. The armouring solution was developed for the ninth-generation Hilux, which was launched earlier this year at Toyota's Prospecton factory in KwaZulu-Natal.
The B6 discreet armouring package is designed to protect against assault rifles, including AK47, R1, and R5. According to SVI business development director Nicol Louw, the company secured a flagship Hilux 2.8GD-6 Legend 4x4 double cab to develop a comprehensive protection solution. This is the first Hilux to feature SVI's 360-degree B6 discreet armouring package, likely making it the first such example in South Africa.
The B6 discreet formula uses custom-fabricated armoured steel plates, composite materials, and high-grade 38mm ballistic glass. The ballistic steel panels are precisely cut and bonded to the inside of the passenger cell's sheet-metal areas, ensuring the bakkie's appearance remains virtually indistinguishable from a standard model. The protective package includes ballistic overlaps around door apertures, side windows, and the windscreen, with critical powertrain components also protected.
The armouring package allows the driver's window to be lowered by around 150mm, with high-durability actuators replacing the original winding system. Additionally, a suspension upgrade and uprated door hinges are included as part of the SVI package. All driver-assistance safety systems remain operational after the armouring conversion, with no changes made to the 2.8 l turbodiesel engine and its outputs remaining at 150kW and 500Nm.
The armouring package is priced from R945,239 excluding VAT and includes a full-day driver-training course. Customers can also opt for additional features such as roof armour, floor armour, and imported heavy-duty runflat rings for the tyres. SVI offers different armouring packages for the Hilux double cab, including a B4 discreet package protecting against handguns up to .44 Magnum and a B2 SVI Lite partial-armouring kit rated to stop 9 mm, 124-grain rounds fired from a handgun.
The project build time for the B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages is approximately three months, while B2 Lite fitment takes about two weeks. SVI covers the armouring package for 12 months, and Toyota South Africa honours warranties on modified cars on a case-by-case basis. The pricing for the different armouring packages are as follows: Hilux Double Cab B2 Lite partial armour — R74,950 (ex VAT) per door; Hilux Double Cab B4 discreet armour — R624,054 (ex VAT); Hilux Double Cab B6 discreet armour — R945,239 (ex VAT).
The B6 discreet armouring package for the Toyota Hilux is a comprehensive solution that provides high-grade protection without compromising the vehicle's appearance. With its advanced materials and precise engineering, this package offers peace of mind for those requiring enhanced security features. As the ninth-generation Hilux continues to be a top seller in South Africa, SVI's armouring solutions provide an added layer of protection for customers.
Key points
- SVI Engineering's B6 discreet armouring package for the Toyota Hilux provides the highest grade of civilian protection available without a special permit.
- The armouring package is priced from R945,239 excluding VAT and includes a full-day driver-training course.
- SVI offers different armouring packages for the Hilux double cab, including B4 and B2 Lite options.
