Armoured-vehicle company SVI Engineering has released a trio of ‘Transformer’-inspired videos highlighting how it leverages its expertise in the military and security fields to deliver civilian protection. Watch the videos below.
South African armoured-vehicle specialist SVI Engineering has released a trio of in “Transformer”-inspired videos showcasing how it leverages its expertise in the military and security fields to deliver civilian protection. Shared across the SA company’s social media channels, the videos feature an armoured Ford Ranger Raptor, VW Golf GTI and Mercedes-Benz V-Class, respectively, along with military/security-focused models.
Ford Ranger Raptor and SVI MAX 9
In the video featuring the B6-armoured Ford Ranger Raptor, which gained this upgraded armouring package option in 2025, the apex Ranger “transforms” into SVI’s flagship product, the MAX 9 – a go-anywhere armoured personnel carrier boasting a Cummins 6.7-litre turbodiesel engine producing 210 kW and 970 N.m of torque. The B6 armouring kit available for the Ranger, which is one of SVI’s most popular armoured vehicles, provides full 360-degree protection against rounds fired from assault rifles such as R1s, AK47s, and R5s. One the most powerful bakkies in SA, the Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol powertrain produces 292 kW.
VW Golf GTI and SVI MAX 3 TROOPY
Revealed in 2024, the SVI-armoured VW Golf GTI’s B4+ kit offers protection against rounds fired from not only handguns, but also rifles up to AK47s. In the video, the rapid-response hot hatch transforms into the firm’s MAX3 TROOPY armoured personnel carrier (in eight-seater configuration). Soon after SVI announced this package for the eighth-generation Golf GTI, we put the armoured model through its paces on its test strip to record road test figures, including the 0-100 km/h sprint and 100-0 km/h braking times.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class and SVI MAX SWAT
Providing B4-spec protection for up to seven occupants, in the final video, the SVI-armoured Mercedes-Benz V-Class transforms into the company’s MAX SWAT, a multi-role armoured vehicle featuring a minimum protection level of EN1063 BR6. This kit provides protection against assault rifles such as AK47s, R1s and R5s.
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