They normally say the Toyota Land Cruiser is bulletproof meaning that it is utterly reliable. But now it is also literally bulletproof.
SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products, has recognised the need for a cost-effective vehicle solution to protect the occupants from both ballistic and general riot threats. This where the Toyota Land Cruiser comes into the picture.
The conversion process entails removing the body of the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 and replacing it with a new all-steel body manufactured from armour plate.
The result is the Max 3 – the entry into the MAX family of specialized bullet-resistant vehicles.
The Max 3 is designed as a multi-role vehicle. As a civilian version it has application in mining security, riot control, civil security, anti-poaching and convoy protection.
Max 3 in its military configuration is designed to be air transportable in a C130 and is fitted with weapon mounts for .50 calibre pintle mountings, remote weapon systems and the Scorpion 60 mm and 81 mm mortar systems. The vehicle can also be fitted with customer furnished equipment such as communication systems.
Max 3 is an evolution of the previous version with a focus on improved ergonomics, added interior space and bolder styling. The armoured steel shell is designed and manufactured in-house by SVI.
The armoured construction of the vehicle provides a minimum protection of assault rifles with additional protection against anti-personnel mines.
The vehicle is available as a single cab, double cab and armoured personnel carrier for up to eight people. Although mostly standard, the drivetrain is upgraded with the fitment of rims and tyres with a higher load rating, upgraded suspension and fitment of an additional rear anti-roll bar.
The modular design of the vehicle allows short delivery times of three months for batches of up to 20 units and the vehicle is available in either left- or right-hand drive.
Servicing of Max 3 is simplified because of its standard Toyota powertrain and drivetrain. TheLand Cruiser’s powertrain is a 4.5 litre, V8, turbodiesel with 151 kW and torque of 430 Nm.
Spare parts and service items are available at any Toyota dealership world-wide. A service interval of 5 000 km is recommended owing to the intended usage profile and off-road application.
Max 3 procurement cost depends on configurations as well as the powertrain specification of the new Land Cruiser 79 used as the donor vehicle. Prices start from R1,6 m excluding VAT and the standard SVI warranty of 1-year/50 000 km applies for road use.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles is back in South African, so let us take a look with what model line-up the Indian manufacturer will kick-off at its 40 dealerships expanding to 60 by 2026 in South Africa.
“Ongoing partnership highlights value of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates and the dealership environment in building sustainable automotive careers.”
The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) recently submitted its quarterly review of business conditions for the South African motor vehicle manufacturing industry, during the second quarter of 2025, to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTCI).
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) recently submitted its quarterly review of business conditions for the South African motor vehicle manufacturing industry, during the second quarter of 2025, to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTCI).
Africa's automotive sector is experiencing a significant transformation, with Morocco emerging as a rising star while traditional leader, South Africa, faces mounting challenges.
After an absence if six years, Tata passenger vehicles are back with a bang in South Africa. The last model launched locally was the Bolt, which followed in the tracks of the more well-known Indica.
