Meet the finalists in the Crossover category of the 2020/21 #CarsAwards powered by WesBank!
Now in its 6th year, the #CarsAwards was conceived to be South Africa's definitive automotive awards programme and is backed, for the 5th year running, by the country's leading supplier of vehicle finance, WesBank.
In this time of the ever-expanding crossover genre, there is growing consumer demand for stylish, yet practical SUV-themed vehicles that can be bought for similar money to a traditional C-segment hatchback. In this new category we are looking for a vehicle that manages to offer both eye-catching looks inside and out, the latest infotainment systems and practicality.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and Pillars of Success.
Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R400 000 and R600 000 (as of October 1, 2020) to ensure exclusivity and status. Vehicles in this category must be a crossover/small SUV shape of the Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-3 etc.
Pillars of success for this category include design and quality appeal, powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength and practicality.
Visit www.carsawards.co.za for more information. In no particular order, the finalists are as follows:
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Hikari
The Mazda CX-3 is one of the more stylish offerings in its segment, replete with its sleek bodywork and well-appointed cabin. Moreover, the CX-3 manages to strike a near-perfect balance between performance and economy, making it a strong contender in this category.
Born from a desire to meet the market’s growing demand for crossovers, the second-generation XV boasts an attractive combination of styling, performance/economy balance, all-wheel-drive ability, practicality and safety. The Subaru is further equipped with a full complement of comfort and convenience features, all of which makes it a compelling proposition in this category.
The C-HR is a niche offering in Toyota’s stable by virtue of its head-turning styling and edgy packaging; to upwardly mobile urbanites, it offers oodles of non-conformist appeal. An updated C-HR came to market in 2020, ushering in much-needed connectivity and safety upgrades.
Jaguar South Africa has launched pricing and spec details for its updated I-Pace electric SUV. Here's what you can expect to pay for this state-of-the-art machine.
The updates to Jaguar's electric I-Pace are not visible to the naked eye, but comprehensive enough under the skin.
The headline changes come to the infotainment system, the charging setup, and the driving assistance technology. Pivi Pro is Jaguar Land Rover's infotainment system and having experienced it in the group's various ICE products, we've come away impressed. Now its the Jaguar I-Pace which gets this system. A 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instrument cluster together with 10-inch and 5-inch upper and lower touchscreens and multi-function, haptic rotary controllers gives off an experience closer to that of a tablet or high-end smartphone.
Cleverly, this system has its own power source, meaning its quick to boot up, plus there are some AI/algorithms thrown in and the car will optimise routing, voice guidance even knows to remain quiet when you’re travelling through areas you know, and maps will always be up to date thanks to software-over-the-air (SOTA) functionality. For those wanting full connectivity, there's an optional wireless device charging pad and the vehicle is fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On the hardware side of things, the Jaguar I-Pace now comes with an 11kW on-board charger as standard, enabling customers with access to three-phase electricity supplies to enjoy significantly faster charging. A full charge on an 11 kW wallbox will take 8.6 hours, perfect for those overnight charges. Through your standard wallplug a full charge takes 12.75 hours. If you're fortunate to have a powerful 100 kW in your area, 127 km of range will take just 15 minutes. Total range is estimated at 470 km based on the WLTP cycle and Jaguar reckons its average customers doing the daily commute would only need to plug in once a week.
Many of Jaguar Land Rover's newer products also feature the Clearsight rearview mirror, which is actually a camera and display unit. Its powerful, offering crisp images even at night.
Jaguar I-Pace Price in South Africa (February 2021)
The I-Pace is offered with an 8 year or 160,000km battery warranty on top of the standard Jaguar Care plan which offers a 100,000km warranty and servicing within in 5 year period, whichever comes first. All new or Approved Pre-Owned Jaguar customers in South Africa also receive complimentary driver training at the state-of-the-art Experience Johannesburg facility in Lonehill, Johannesburg.
A disguised prototype of a next-generation BMW 2 Series Coupe has been filmed while undergoing testing on a Californian highway. The clip, which includes tantalising close-up tracking footage, reveals a few interesting tidbits (and one or two possible red herrings) about the upcoming model’s design.
Now that the fanfare about the low-volume local introduction of the BMW M2 CS (of which almost the entire consignment of units was sold via an auction recently) has blown over, the production cycle of the F22-generation model (on which the M2 and its brethren are based) is evidently nearing its end and the countdown to the official reveal of its successor (codenamed G42) can commence!
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.?
Without a doubt, the 2nd-generation 2 Series 2-door is eagerly anticipated, because, unlike its predecessor, it won't be based on the hatchback's front-wheel-drive platform (as is the case with the 2 Series Gran Coupe)… Instead of being based on BMW’s Front Architecture platform, the Coupe will adopt an evolution of the brand’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform and be closely based on the Z4 Roadster. This means the compact 2-door coupe will be rear-wheel driven, which will please purists who have been less than convinced by the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol and all-wheel-drive M135i– and M235i xDrive.
The wait for the 2er Coupe has been drawn out; in April last year, a pair of leaked images of (what appeared to be) the upcoming model was posted on a fan forum. The partly obscured silver-grey car in those images drew instant comparisons with the aforementioned roadster, which was famously co-developed with Toyota, especially by virtue of its broad, slim kidney grille and the shape of the tail-light cluster(s).
The BMW 2-Series was leaked earlier in 2020, giving us a glimpse of the new face.
Then, in September, our spy photographer shot a heavily-camouflaged test unit endowed with a pair of two large exhausts. It was undoubtedly a pre-production version of a 2 Series Coupe, however, because it was clearly smaller than the recently-launched 4 Series, but had far more elegant proportions (long nose, cab-rearward configuration and a short, kicked-up boot section) than its FWD/AWD siblings.
Now, the YouTube channel KindelTechAuto has published this video, in which a photographer's car cruises up to a 2 Series Coupe prototype while it's travelling on a highway somewhere in the Golden State. Judging from the footage, it's not the exact same car as we photographed last year. The headlamps indeed look teardrop-shaped and the car's bonnet features a pronounced power dome, but the videographer noted that the car had retro-looking recessed door handles and that the famous Hofmeister kink in the rear window (which is so subtle in the 4er that you could miss it) had been disguised with padding.
As for which version of the 2 Series Coupe it might be, the chances are that it is, at best, an M Sport or M-flavoured derivative. If the new range carries over the Z4's powertrains, there should be 145-kW 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol (220i), a 285-kW 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol (M240i) and probably the 190-kW 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol that does duty in the 330is Edition…
As for the mighty M2, that should only be revealed during 2022. It's unlikely to be as potent as the M3/M4's 353 kW/375 kW twin-turbo 3-litre inline-6, but expect a peak output of well above 300 kW.
Sources suggest the 2 Series Coupe (G42) will be fully unveiled near the end of 2021; we expect it to arrive in SA next year, with the flagship M2 potentially only arriving in 2023.
Should I buy a car from a dealer or a private seller?
There are significant differences between buying a used car from a car dealership and buying one from a private individual. To aid you in selecting your best buying method, we have identified both the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
Buying a used car from a car dealership
Advantages of buying from a dealership
The biggest plus to buying from a dealership can be summed up in the phrase “peace of mind”.
Car dealerships are obliged by law to guarantee title against stolen vehicles and ensure there are no previous unsettled financial agreements still pending on the vehicle.
Dealerships must declare and rectify all known defects. This is normally done before the vehicle is put up for sale.
A dealer sale always comes with a limited guarantee, as well as an inspection report (ask to see it). If anything goes wrong within the guarantee period, it is the dealership’s responsibility to rectify it.
Added peace of mind comes in the form of extended warranties that are normally available for an additional cost.
Dealerships are usually safe, professional environments in which to inspect and transact.
The dealership will handle all of the necessary paper-work and can aid with financing and insurance if required.
Dealerships are service oriented and will go the extra mile to meet your needs.
Most dealerships accept trade-ins, should you wish to trade-in your current vehicle against your purchase.
Disadvantages of buying from a dealership
Dealership cars are usually more expensive than private sales.
While you will be informed about the condition of the vehicle, specifics regarding how the vehicle was driven, or any information on the previous owner/driver remain unknown.
Dealerships can be relentless in pursuit of sales and are often aggressive with their follow-ups.
Buying a used car from a private seller
Advantages of buying from a private seller
Privately sold vehicles will generally be cheaper than dealership vehicles.
Private sellers are usually more willing to negotiate price.
By dealing directly with the current owner/driver, you will be able to gather a lot more information about the car and how it has been driven and cared for.
The transacting environment is usually more relaxed, with less pressure from the seller than is customary with a dealer sales rep.
Disadvantages of buying from a private seller
Scammers often advertise attractive car deals in an attempt to trick would be buyers.
Private sellers often take chances. The advertised car may be a stolen car or a rebuild.
Physical safety is always a concern. Ensure that you meet in a safe environment and never go alone.
Banks do not finance used cars sold by private sellers. You would ultimately have to pay the full amount in cash, or get a personal loan.
There is always the risk of defects and mechanical problems with the car that occur after the purchase has been made, and while the Consumer Protection Act will protect you to a point, it is not always enforced.
To ensure that you are getting a good deal; the buyer needs to do a host of background checks on the seller, as well as checks on the car to ensure that everything is in order.
Once the sale is concluded, the new owner is responsible for all paperwork, transferring ownership at your city’s vehicle registering department and getting new plates issued.
There is no option to trade-in your current vehicle. This needs to be dealt with independently.
Summary
Buying a used car from a private seller generally results in a cheaper purchase price, but comes with added risk. It is often worth paying the slightly higher price to purchase from a dealership to obtain the security and peace of mind offered.
This week’s news you need to know (Jan 2021, Part 2)
In the final week of January, BMW sprung a big surprise by revealing its most powerful production car yet – the M5 CS. In other news, we will soon be getting an all-new Renault crossover from India, Hyundai continues to put pressure on VW's GTI and R products, while more manufacturers are looking to blow their marketing budgets at Le Mans. Brent vd Schyff tells it like it was…
King of Sedans – The ultimate dad car
Your "bouncer in a slick suit" is back. Only this time your bouncer’s been on that hard isolation gym routine; he's jacked and the suit’s decidedly more Gucci than Markhams. Yes, folks, the king of super sedans is back on the throne and not shy about declaring his intention to utterly dominate a rarefied (and somewhat absurd) market sub-segment. BMW has a learnt a thing or two during the past few years – it's particularly adept at exploiting the popularity of the CS badge, which gets the masses frothing right into the rev limiter. Locally, rarity is ensured by Mzansi being allocated only 5 units. Why so selfish, Germany?
The M5 CS' peak output figures of 467 kW and 750 Nm are exactly what you'd expect from BMW ultimate performance model, let alone -sedan, and the brand's marketing department commissioned a dreamy promo video laced with Procar-infused visuals, which, fair warning, may reduce you to tears. Those tears you secrete may be due to the fact that you’ve realised that you’re not going to be able to afford one and even if you could, the inevitable auction that will be held to find buyers for the 5 units allotted to our market, will mean that your money might be safer if you invested it in a 3-year-old GT3.
One thing’s for sure and that is despite certain critical comments, there’s a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 at the heart of the beast. If you claim to be a true BMW disciple, you’re surely not going to be upset about that. I have overlooked the fact that yes, there was once a manual M5 and this isn’t purely rear-wheel-drive, but honestly – and in the clear light of day, super sedans have become too powerful (and, therefore, fast) for their own good and, because CPUs can make faster computations than an over-enthusiastic driver's brain, you need things like x-Drive and an auto 'box. The average man on the street simply does not have the ability to drive a manual with that much power, combined with the myriad things that can quickly go wrong in extremis. And, if you want to achieve those performance figures… the Nürburging's calling!
Hyundai Tucson N – Performance SUVs – Mind games
If you’re not familiar with the term “Roman Circus”, allow me to enlighten you, dear countrymen. “Roman Circus” is a term that was derived from the time of hippodromes and coliseums, places that would entertain the fickle mob to the point that they’d be distracted and kept too preoccupied to focus on the real matters at hand, such as corruption and poor service delivery – well, that's according to historians.
Doesn't that sound familiar? Isn't the "Performance SUV" effectively a Roman Circus that's distracting us, so that we don't realise that virtually the entire automotive market (not only the segments once occupied by humble family sedans and 'wagons) is being overrun by SUVs? Are OEMs banking that if they keep producing “performance SUVs" for long enough, one day we'll be pleased to have obscenely-fast, high-riding behemoths (with running boards and electrically-operated tailgates) instead of genuine, dyed-in-the-wool and fit-for-purpose performance cars? We’re wiser than that, aren’t we? I digress.
Now that its SUV side is getting the N treatment, it’s rather obvious that Hyundai is hoping to compete with Volkswagen in all sectors. The Tucson N Line is a thinly disguised precursor to a future Tucson N, which will compete with the Tiguan R that's due to be introduced in Mzansi in the near future. The real question that needs answering is this: Could Hyundai convince deeply faithful Volkswagen buyers (some of whom have owned only VWs their entire motoring lives) to divert their cash to Korea? It will certainly make for healthy competition; if the Golf GTI-rivalling I30 N is an indicator, Hyundai's on the right track.
Renault Kiger – another one!
The Renault Kiger is yet another newcomer to the small crossover fray, the combatants of which seek to attract suburban dwellers with city-life aspirations allied with penchants for having weekend adventures where there is no wifi signal (provided they can indeed bear such an inconvenience). Unfortunately, in all too many cases, the pricing of the products is out of step with the earning power of the target market. We’ve seen the decline over the years, where, sadly, earning potential has been outperformed by the cost of goods and services. That's amid a global pandemic that has destroyed many happy scenarios.
It all makes for a tough situation for consumers who so desperately want to experience that “new car” feel. Interest rates, being as low as what they are right now, have offered a degree of relief, but what begs the question is at which point will government intervention be required to provide further relief by lowering import duties? It sure would help the middle-income sector enjoy new cars like the Kiger and breathe life into this segment without the need to cook up complex finance structures, balloon payments and extended financing terms, which just worsen the situation further anyway. Someone, please tweet Cyril.
Redbull Advanced Technology joins Le Mans
If ever you’re driving along at night (remember those evening drives we enjoyed in the halcyon pre-Covid era? Aaah, sweet nostalgia) and you’re blinded by oncoming LEDs attached to a morbidly expensive premium SUV (the glare may hasten your need to have a cataract operation), you have the technology advancements from Le Mans prototype racing to thank for that. Cold comfort, I know. It’s often said that more technology finds its way into road cars from endurance racing than Formula One. KERS systems, hybrid technology and performance turbodiesel engines all stem from developments made for the top-performing class of the 24-hour race. The same can be said for the hybrid tech, which is the car world's focus in the short to medium term, at least until the electrification question can be properly answered.
The theory is that if a technology can run without fault for 24 consecutive hours of sustained, punishing use, then it should work okay in your 2022 Audi A3. Therefore, the tie-up between Red Bull Advanced Technology and Oreca is a big deal. They will be joining the ranks of Porsche and Audi who are ditching their Formula E racing programmes to compete with Toyota and Peugeot in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The real victors, at the end of the day, will be the consumers who benefit from future technological advancements in road cars. I wonder which innovation will find its way to the production line next…
#CarsAwards – Best Executive SUVs in SA
Meet the finalists in the Executive SUV category of the 2020/21 #CarsAwards powered by WesBank!
Now in its 6th year, the #CarsAwards was conceived to be South Africa’s definitive automotive awards programme and is backed, for the 5th year running, by the country’s leading supplier of vehicle finance, WesBank.
Increasingly regarded as the status symbol to have, most premium brands now offer road-biased SUVs that combine prestige and practicality in a package that is characterised by superior refinement. Drivetrain performance and refined road manners are a priority as is a cabin that features upmarket materials and the most up-to-date technology.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and Pillars of Success.
Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R800 000 and R1-million (as of October 1, 2020) to ensure exclusivity and status. Eligible vehicles must be a medium-sized SUV of the Audi Q5/Merc GLC category, including their “coupe” derivatives.
Pillars of success for this category include powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics and space and practicality.
Visit www.carsawards.co.za for more information. In no particular order, the finalists are as follows:
BMW X3 20d M-Sport
The BMW X3 has found notable favour with buyers looking for a stylish, practical and lifestyle-oriented SUV. Not only does its larger dimensions afford passengers with more space, it’s a pleasingly refined and well-balanced product overall. The X3 is also the reigning #CarsAwards winner in this category and is looking to successfully defend its title in the 2020/21 programme.
Depending on whom you ask, the new Range Rover Evoque is arguably the most stylish offering in the Executive SUV segment and, while it’s the smallest model in Land Rover’s stable, it’s more spacious than its predecessor and offers impressive levels of tech and refinement.
Gothenburg-based brand Volvo is on a roll and the XC60 – which won this category in the 2018/19 #CarsAwards – is one of its most popular SUV models. Built on the same platform as the XC90, it’s superbly refined to drive and offers one of the most luxurious cabins in its class.
The AA has confirmed the petrol price changes for February 2021 and SA motorists are in for substantial hikes. Here's what you need to know.
The Automobile Association (AA) has blamed the slow oil price and Rand/Dollar vulnerability for the sharp increase in the price of petrol, diesel and paraffin.
Set to come into affect in the first week of February 2021, petrol is expect to rise by up to 82 cents a litre, diesel by 59 cents and illuminating paraffin by 60 cents.
"Unfortunately our mid-month concerns over the advancing oil price have been borne out in practice. There has been a slow, but steady, rise in the price of oil which is likely to cause ongoing pain at the pumps. Almost all of the fuel price increases reflected by this month's data are attributable to the stronger oil price, and the average Rand/US dollar exchange rate has remained generally flat for the month, despite some large daily swings."
Despite the Rand dropping to an all-time low of over R19 to the dollar last April and the currency has since appreciating to approximately its pre-COVID-19 level, the changes in the oil price have offset this. "The record low exchange rate fortunately went hand-in-hand with record low oil prices, so the impact went largely unnoticed as fuel prices plunged. But economic or policy shocks which weigh on the Rand are likely to have a more significant effect on the fuel price now that international oil prices have rebounded," the Association concludes.
See what new and updated Toyota cars are destined to reach South Africa in 2021.
It looks like Toyota is gearing up for an exciting year and the South African market is going to be at the receiving end of a robust product offensive throughout the year. Take a look at what’s on the way!
Please note that timings are tentative and are subject to change.
Toyota will be introducing the new Urban Cruiser compact SUV to market in March 2021. The Urban Cruiser is a product of Toyota’s collaboration with Suzuki and it’s essentially based on the soon-to-be-launched Suzuki Vitara Brezza. A naturally-aspirated 77 kW / 138 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine is expected under the bonnet when the Urban Cruiser arrives on local soil and it will take its position in Toyota’s crossover/SUV lineup slotting in below the C-HR, which is also expected to receive a specification update in the first quarter of the year. Look out for local specification and pricing details closer to launch.
In addition, Toyota will also introduce new hybrid products to the South African market early in the year. Customers will soon see a Corolla Hybrid sedan on Toyota showroom floors as well as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Mid-year 2021
Undoubtedly one of the most highly-anticipated new vehicle introductions for 2021 is the GR Yaris. Drawing on Toyota Gazoo Racing’s rally heritage, the GR Yaris packs a punch with a 3-cylinder, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that offers up 192 kW and 360 Nm but there is also said to be a high-power version that offers 200 kW and 370 Nm and it's this potent version that's on its way. Numbers will be limited, so start counting your pennies now…
But that’s not all, fans of the GR Supra are in for a proper treat as Toyota will look to officially introduce a high-power version of its rear-wheel-drive sports car. Yes, the GR Supra Horizon Blue Edition is on the way and it will offer no less than 285 kW (up from 250 kW) and 500 Nm of torque and will now hurtle from zero to 100 kph in a claimed 4.1 seconds.
Third Quarter
A new Toyota GR 86 is due to go into production this year too and Toyota expects the new model to reach South Africa in the third quarter of 2021. The new GR 86 will be an evolution of the current coupe. Although it will remain true to its roots, it will get a bigger, torquier engine! The final product is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks/months and is likely to feature a Subaru-sourced, naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine with at least 162 kW and 240 Nm. Stay tuned for updates as the new GR 86 comes to life!
A new Land Cruiser 300 is also due to be revealed later in the year and we could see it arrive locally mid-2021 or in the third quarter of 2021.
Fourth Quarter
Toyota this month announced that it will produce a new crossover, called the Corolla Cross, at its production facility in Prospecton, Durban as of October 2021. The new model is a result of a R2.3-billion investment and will be sold in South Africa and exported to some 43 countries in Africa.
The Corolla Cross will be powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine offering 103 kW and 177 Nm and it will slot in beneath the RAV4 in Toyota’s local lineup. A Corolla Cross Hybrid will also be produced locally and this will also be the first time that a hybrid vehicle will be produced in South Africa. This new project will create an estimated 500 direct jobs at Toyota and more 1 000 new jobs in the local automotive chain. Specification and pricing details for the Toyota Corolla Cross will be communicated closer to launch.
Mazda South Africa will be launching its CX-30 SUV in early February. Here are specifications and pricing for this new SUV.
Plugging the gap between the hatchback-on-stilts CX-3 and the family-focused CX-5, the new Mazda CX-30 is the brand's 2nd model in its new line-up. It's a striking looking thing, especially in Mazda's signature red colour.
What's On Offer
Mazda South Africa is launching its new CX-30 with one model, separated by 3 trim derivatives. All share the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder motor with Mazda's SKYACTIV-G technology. It produces 121 kW and 213 Nm, and all CX-30 derivatives feature 6-speed automatic gearboxes and are front-wheel driven.
The three trim levels are Active, Dynamic and Individual.
Mazda CX-30 Active
Smart keyless push-button engine start, MZD Connect with 8.8-inch widescreen, Airbags SRS: front (driver and passenger), side, knee (driver), and curtain airbags, USB port, Head-Up display, Cruise control and LED Headlamps, 16-inch grey metallic alloy wheels.
Mazda CX-30 Dynamic
Apple Carplay™ and Android Auto™, Auto paddle transmission switches, rear air vents, dual-zone climate control, smart advanced keyless entry, and rear parking sensors.
Mazda CX-30 Individual
Reverse Camera, Frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Leather seat trim, BOSE® sound system with 12 speakers, 18-inch Silver Metalic Alloy wheels.
Mazda CX-30 Price in South Africa (January 2021)
The new Mazda CX-30 comes standard with a 3-year unlimited kilometre service plan, a 3-year factory warranty, 3-year roadside assistance while a 5-year corrosion warranty is also included.
Vehicle-armouring specialists SVI Engineering and Ford South Africa have signed an agreement to build factory-approved bulletproof Ranger bakkies. We headed out to the SVI facility in Gauteng to put the vehicles through their paces and see what the armouring process entails.
While cynics may suggest law-abiding citizens who opt to have their SUVs and bakkies armoured are "a paranoid bunch", the truth is that, in South Africa, the risk of coming armed attack while at the 'wheel of your vehicle is real. As Ford CEO Neale Hill says: “While we all wish there was no need for armoured civilian vehicles anywhere in the world, being able to provide outstanding levels of safety for customers is deeply rooted in Ford’s DNA; armoured protection is no exception.” To demonstrate the demand for vehicles with a high level of personal safety, the Brazilian market purchased 20 000 armoured cars last year.
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has announced that it has partnered with SVI Engineering to offer approved armour protection for the Ranger. Founded in 2004, SVI Engineering specialises in making armoured products for military, security and civilian markets. We at Cars.co.za know SVI Engineering very well… the company recently set us loose in its SVI Max 9 – a purpose-built military vehicle.
The upshot is that an ordinary customer can now order either a B4- or B6 specification Ranger covered by Ford's full manufacturer warranty. In other words, you'll be able to tick bulletproofing as an extra-cost option when you order your bakkie. If you require an even higher level of armour, well, you’ll need to fill out special paperwork (or could just purchase the aforementioned military-grade SVI Max 9).
B4 and B6: What's the difference?
One of SVI's windscreens after absorbing a direct hit.
B4 Armoured is essentially resistant to impacts from handgun bullets. There are Kevlar (the same material found in bulletproof vests) sheets in the doors and 18- to 21 mm glass in the windows. This glass can withstand bullets fired from weapons of up to .44 Magnum in caliber, but SVI also points out it can withstand blows from that old favourite: the thrown brick.
B4 further incorporates engine firewall protection and shielding of the vehicle’s components. SVI says the additional glass and Kevlar adds 280 kg to the Ranger’s mass and assembly takes around 8 weeks.
B6-specification takes things up a whole notch… This level of armouring is the highest that a civilian may have on their vehicle in South Africa and it’s claimed to be capable of withstanding assault-rifle gunfire. SVI says this product offers protection from AK-47 and R1 rifles. The armouring is comprehensive with 38 mm of glass and reinforced steel plates in the doors, engine firewall and around critical engine components (such as the battery). This level of protection adds 650 kg, which is substantial, and the bakkie will receive a suspension upgrade to deal with the added heft.
The interesting thing about the B6 armouring is you can clearly see that the vehicle has protective plating, which is why SVI Engineering offers a discreet look, which hides the vital components of the upgrade. This takes 12 weeks to build; the standard armouring process, by contrast, takes just 2 weeks. Private customers will most likely opt for the discreet look, for obvious reasons.
The Ranger's engine bay is protected with strategically-placed armour
Speaking of assembly, we had a chance to walk through SVI Engineering’s facility where a number of private and security-company vehicles were being prepared. The process is extremely thorough, with a vehicle being stripped right down to its frame before the armour-plating is installed. SVI then reassembles the entire vehicle; in our opinion, it would take an eagle eye to spot faults in the reassembly.
While we were in the workshop, we spotted a Volvo XC90 T8 premium SUV that had received a custom-armouring package. Thanks to some strategic leather upholstering in the cabin, you’d never guess it had been bulletproofed… at least not at first glance. SVI Engineering also offers roof- and floor armouring, as well as a run-flat tyre system, but more about that later.
What about businesses?
Just some of the vehicles SVI Engineering has worked on.
The commercial applications of SVI's armouring solutions are myriad. There’s been considerable take up from the mining and agriculture industries, the company says. You can imagine how much of a target a mine would be; the minerals coming out the ground is quite valuable, but so is the mining equipment. The perimeter of the mine would need to be patrolled too, so an armoured bakkie is near-perfect for that.
Another aspect to consider is the movement of expensive goods. Transportation companies have been using these armoured vehicles to escort trucks carrying high-value goods. It would not surprise us if SVI has been contacted to supply armoured vehicles to help protect Covid-19 vaccine supplies. SVI's expertise has even been applied to a rail network: the company has armoured trains that run in Mozambique.
What’s it like to drive?
The fact that it looks like a standard double-cab Ranger will win many fans.
We had a chance to drive a Ranger double-cab XLT armoured to B4-spec, as well as a single cab with full B6-level protection. The XLT looked completely stock, while the single cab was clearly armoured.
Initial fears that the weight of the B6 armour plating would critically hinder both off-the-line and in-gear performance proved unfounded as the 2.2-litre turbodiesel motor proved more than up to the task of propelling the bulkier single-cab bakkie with reasonable eagerness. This single-cab bakkie is a workhorse, so you can’t expect XLT levels of refinement, and yet, with all that additional glass and reinforcement aboard, the Ranger's on-road refinement was very good. The armouring insulates the cabin from road and wind noise – the interior is an eerily quiet place…
From behind the 'wheel, the knowledge that armour plating has been applied to the vehicle you're driving instils a strange feeling of invulnerability. However, as SVI explained, its products won’t be able to sustain continuous gunfire over a period of time… In such an (absolutely bone-chilling) scenario, a round or two would eventually penetrate the vehicle's passenger cell, which is why the company also offers run-flat tyres. The idea is that if you do come under attack by gunfire, your vehicle would be able to withstand a few hits while you attempt to drive away from the situation.
You can spot a B6-armoured vehicle by virtue of its split windscreen and much thicker windows. Inside, there’s a slight reduction in visibility because the armouring increases the width of the A-pillars.
We reckon B4 is the way to go if you’re concerned about protecting yourself and your family. Not only is the additional weight barely noticeable in terms of engine responsiveness (with ostensibly a small penalty in terms of higher fuel consumption), but it happens to improve the bakkie's ride quality too! Most (if not all) bakkies suffer from a jiggly ride when unladen, but this extra weight helps iron out the rougher edges. B4 armouring doesn’t affect the look of the vehicle either; your view out of the front of the cabin isn’t as obstructed as in the B6. The uninitiated would climb into the vehicle unaware of its, um, bolstering.
Ford Ranger Armoured: Price in South Africa
The Ford Ranger Armoured is available to order from any of Ford’s 134 dealers across South Africa. Rangers come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a 4-year/120 000 km comprehensive warranty, 3 years' unlimited-distance roadside assistance and a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A 6-year/90 000km service plan is included and the service interval is 15 000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.
In addition, customers receive a 1 year/50 000km warranty on the armouring components from SVI Engineering. Please note the below prices exclude VAT and the purchase price of the vehicles.
