In a significant development for vehicle security, SVI Engineering has unveiled “SVI LITE,” a partial armour solution designed to make protection against hijacking attempts more accessible.
The new product offers B2-level ballistic protection focused specifically on vehicle doors and side windows – areas typically targeted during hijacking incidents. Unlike SVI’s comprehensive B4 and B6 armouring packages, which provide full 360-degree protection at premium prices, SVI LITE delivers targeted security at a fraction of the cost.
Bullet-proof vests for cars
“In much the same way as a bullet-resistant vest provides protection to vital organs of the human body, our new SVI LITE solution covers critical areas of the vehicle that are typically targeted during a hijacking attempt,” explained Nicol Louw, SVI’s Business Development Director.
Only 15 kg per door
The system incorporates concealed Kevlar panels within the doors and replaces standard side windows with lightweight armoured glass. Together, these components can stop 9mm handgun rounds while adding just 15 kg per door, ensuring minimal impact on vehicle performance.
Importantly, the ballistic glass is lightweight enough to maintain normal window operation in most vehicles.
Corolla and Ranger first
Initially available for the Toyota Corolla Cross and Ford Ranger – two of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles – SVI LITE will soon expand to include the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, and Ford Everest.
Jaco de Kock, CEO of SVI, emphasised the accessibility factor: “SVI LITE originated from an idea to make vehicle armour more accessible to the broader motoring public. It made sense for us to focus on some of South Africa’s most popular vehicles.”
Starting at R63k
The pricing structure highlights the product’s affordability compared to full armour solutions. While 360-degree B4 protection for a medium-sized SUV starts at approximately R862 500, SVI LITE costs R63 193 per door for the Toyota Corolla Cross and R74 693 per door for the larger Ford Ranger. This means fully protecting all four doors of a Corolla Cross would cost R252 770.
Installation takes two weeks at SVI’s facility near Pretoria, with the first customer fitments scheduled to begin in May 2025.
Protecting more people
The introduction of SVI LITE represents advancement in vehicle security options in a country where hijacking remains a persistent concern. “By extending protection previously limited to luxury vehicles, SVI is now offering essential safety features to a broader range of South African motorists, including families and first-time car buyers,” Louw says
