Armoured Toyota Prado launched in South Africa – Pricing and specifications

Gauteng-based SVI Engineering has developed new armouring packages for the popular Toyota Prado.

The new packages are available in B4 and B6 spec, offering different levels of protection.

Pricing for the B4 level is pegged at R746,419, while the B6 level goes for R1,136,814, both excluding VAT and the price of the vehicle.

The Prado currently retails for a minimum of R1,315,700 in South Africa, translating to a purchase price of at least R2 million for those interested in a bullet-resistant model.

The project build time for both the Prado B4 and B6 packages is set at approximately three months.

“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,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

“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.”

Bulletproof Prado specs

In B4 guise, the Prado is fitted with cut-and-bonded Kevlar sheets and thickened glass panes for the windows, while vulnerable areas such as the pillars and powertrain are protected by steel plating.

When all is said and done, the B4 Prado provides protection against handguns up to and including the .44 Magnum.

Upgrading to B6 sees the addition of custom-fabricated armoured steel plates replacing the Kevlar items, composite materials, and high-grade 38mm ballistic glass curved to manufacturer standards.

SVI takes special care to incorporate ballistic overlaps around all door apertures, side windows, and the windscreen, ensuring optimal protection in case of an attack.

To save on cost and mass, the B6 package for the Prado also features an armoured rear bulkhead – complete with an escape hatch – neatly integrated behind the cabin’s second row of seats.

The B6 option ensures comprehensive protection against ammunition fired from assault rifles, including the AK47, R1, and R5.

Due to the additional mass of the armouring components, the B6 Prado gets a suspension upgrade and uprated door hinges as standard.

“Toyota’s trusty 2.8-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel engine (1GD-FTV) – which delivers 150kW and 500Nm to all four corners through an eight-speed automatic transmission – is well equipped to handle the added mass of the various armouring components,” said Louw.

Additionally, the vehicle’s various driver-assistance safety systems including those that rely on sensors positioned behind the windscreen remain fully operational after the conversion.

Optional extras available to buyers include roof armour, floor armour, a PA system, and heavy-duty runflat rings for the tyres.

SVI Toyota Prado B6