After producing 130 armoured units of the previous-generation Ford Ranger, SVI now offers Ford-approved armoured conversions for the new Ranger. We visited SVI's facility recently, where we had a chance to sample an armoured version of the Wildtrak variant back-to-back with a standard model and also discovered the various products available for the new Ranger.
Related: Ford Ranger Tremor added to South African double-cab bakkie line-up
Which Rangers can be converted?
SVI offers armour packages for the Single Cab, Super Cab, and Double Cab models, all of which can be financed through Ford. The two available levels of Ford-approved armouring are B4 and B6.
At the launch event, we had a chance to drive a B6-armoured Wildtrak back-to-back with a standard model. Our key takeaway from the experience was how we felt the added weight (650kg) while the interior NVH improved thanks to the added insulation. At the same time, the visibility through the glass house was more compromised thanks to the thicker glass, while the front driver's side window is the only one that can be wound down, and only by 150mm or so, all of which must be factored in when considering this package. Overall, it feels about as OEM as expected for something that can resist a degree of assault rifle fire!
What is B4 and B6?
The B4 Discreet level offers bullet-resistant protection against handguns up to .44 Magnum, while B6, the highest civilian protection level without a special permit, protects against assault rifle ammunition up to 7.62x51 mm. The B6 package includes 38mm armoured glass and 6.5mm steel plates. The protection includes glazing surrounding occupants, pillars, doors, firewall, rear cabin, front fenders, battery, and ABS unit. The B4 package adds 280kgs to the Ranger's weight, while the B6 version adds 650kgs, and since the Ranger has a payload of roughly 1000kg, the standard vehicle can handle the additional weight.
Other options include roof armour, floor armour, run-flat rings for tyres, and a public announcement (PA) system, while both B4 and B6 armour take 3 months from order to delivery. We headed into the basement of SVI's facility to experience the bullet resistance of the glass and steel plating of a B6 vehicle. It was quite alarming to witness the power of a high-calibre rifle and, indeed, just how much damage it can inflict, although from what we could see, none of the rounds penetrated the steel or glass.
A new Stopgun product
Additionally, a B6 Stopgun package includes flat armoured glass with gunports, which takes three weeks to build. It is not as discreet and is aimed at security companies who do not require the stealthy look of the other packages.
Pricing
SVI and Ford South Africa provided the following pricing table for the various conversions, excluding VAT and the vehicle's basic price.
|
Single Cab |
Super Cab |
Double Cab |
|
|
B4 Discreet |
from R426 268 |
from R572 377 |
from R572 377 |
|
B6 Discreet |
from R665 116 |
from R866 966 |
from R866 966 |
|
B6 Stopgun |
from R295 293 |
from R341 587 |
from R422 257 |
