The idea of personal protection differs in South Africa to most of the world. Continually rising crime statistics dominate the airwaves and news stations, plunging our perceived safety into the dark abyss. With more than 18 000 hijackings recorded by the South African Police in their 2019/2020 report, the threat is never far away.
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Vigilance, preparedness and caution can all help prevent you from becoming a statistic, but that also only helps so much. With an economy that is in steady decline, it’s only a matter of time before the hi-jacking attempts become even more brazen.
But what can you do to look after you and your loved ones?
Ford Motor Company South Africa has partnered with SVI Engineering to offer a range of personal protection solutions in their Ford Ranger range. Whether you’re a high-profile executive, an attorney, or member of the state, you’ll be able to find a solution that suits your individual needs.
What does SVI do?
SVI was formed in 2004 as a mechanical engineering and rapid-product development firm that specializes in armoured vehicles for the military and public sector. They develop, test and manufacture armoured vehicle solutions for a range of applications.
Their development work on the Ford Ranger has seen it past the most stringent of tests and receive international grading. They have a lengthy list of established clientèle both locally and abroad who enjoy the safety and security that their products offer.
Their global footprint extends into Central Africa and the Middle East with agencies scattered across the globe.
The bullet-proof Ford Ranger
Ford is now the first OEM to offer factory-approved options for armoured vehicles in South Africa. One will now be able to order an armoured Ford Ranger at a dealership level and have the new vehicle specified to your particular needs. All models, from 2.2 TDCi single cabs, all the way through to Ranger Wildtraks can be ordered with your chosen level of protection.
Depending on the armour level chosen, there is minimal disruption to the operation of the vehicle and to the untrained eye the vehicle will appear no different to the ordinary Ford Ranger parked alongside it.
“One of our strengths as a local-manufacturer has always been our ability to adapt to new trends in the automotive industry and changing customer requirements. We see armoured vehicle protection as a next step into a potentially life-saving sector. Ford is leading the way in customer experience by offering this without affecting the Ranger’s full warranty and service plan, which is a first for any OEM in South Africa,” says Neale Hill, MD of Ford Motor Company South Africa.
Armour options
Customers will have the choice of several options when it comes to the armour they choose. Each level sees a variety of composites and reinforced steel plates grafted in and around the vehicle to protect the occupants.
Bulletproof glass is fitted throughout and the electric window mechanism is retained for the driver in B4-class armouring, allowing for access to toll booths, gantry gates and the likes.
B4 Armoured Specification
The B4-level sees the Ranger fitted with 18-21mm armoured glass and Kevlar sheets across the body, including known weak-spots such as door pillars and firewalls. This armouring offers protection from handguns up to a .44 Magnum calibre as well as other hand-held projectiles such as bricks. ABS modules and batteries are also guarded, allowing for escape in the event of an attack.
The B4 adds only 280 kg to a double cab Ranger and as such, there is minimal impact on the acceleration and handling of the double cab. All additional safety features are retained, including Trailer Sway Assist, Roll-Over Mitigation and Pre-Collision Braking.
The B4 armouring takes 8-weeks and is a discreet appearance design, meaning that one would not know that the vehicle is armoured from appearance alone.
B6 Armoured Specification
The B6-level is the highest level of protection afforded civilians without requiring a special permit. The B6 is designed to cater for the likes of security companies, high-value transit operations as well as high-profile individuals. It will guard against attacks from R1 and AK47 assault rifles throughout.
38 mm armoured glass is used with the option of either a flat-plane, split-screen windscreen (Stopgun V2.0) or a discreet design, at an additional cost. Reinforced steel plates are used around the body with particular care taken in known vulnerable areas, including locking mechanisms and door jams. This naturally adds considerable weight to the Ranger frame and the suspension is upgraded accordingly.
Discreet options require 12-weeks to complete while Stopgun V2.0 models can be completed in only 2-weeks.
Additional Options
SVI allows for the tailoring of the armoured Ford Ranger offerings and customers can elect for higher levels of protection in addition to the package they have chosen. This includes protection for the radiator and grille, floor armouring, run-flat tyre bands as well as roof armouring and even public address systems.
Costs
|
Model |
B6 Stop gun V2.0 non-discreet |
B4 discreet |
B6 discreet |
|
Ford Ranger Single Cab |
R234 413 |
R338 386 |
R527 990 |
|
Ford Ranger Super Cab |
R271 163 |
R454 371 |
R688 225 |
|
Ford Ranger Double Cab |
R335 202 |
R454 371 |
R688 225 |
Driving the armoured Ranger
You would naturally want to know that the Ranger you’re buying hasn’t lost its flavour and I can assure you that it is still very much the Ranger you know and love.
The additional weight can be felt in both the B4 and B6 versions with the effect naturally more pronounced in the B6 model. B4 versions still retain all the interior trimmings and electronics, with the exception of the electric windows for the front and rear passengers. This inherent safety feature ensures that all the bulletproof glass functions the way it is intended but still allows for day-to-day convenience at the aforementioned toll booths and the likes.
The B6 (without the discreet windscreen) is clearly an armoured vehicle with the thick window frames and split windscreen. The interior retains much of the trimmings with the exception of the roof lining and pillars. The driver’s window in B6 models is fixed and does not wind down.
The ride remains smooth and supple and it’s only under braking that the additional weight is truly perceived. Acceleration is slightly stunted in the B6 model and is still more than acceptable in the B4 model.
Factory backed
As this is a joint venture between the two firms, Ford is able to maintain and honour the 4-year / 120 000 km warranty and 6-year / 90 000 km service plan. In addition, customers receive a one year/50 000km warranty on the armouring components from SVI Engineering.
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