The cheapest armoured car currently for sale in South Africa, that we could find, is a pre-owned 2013 Infiniti QX70 5.0 S Premium with 101,000km on the clock that is listed on AutoTrader for R749,900.
This example has been treated by Johannesburg-based armouring firm Armormax with BR4 grade protection, which means it is resistant to small-arms fire from all handgun calibres up to and including the .44 Magnum.
“Level BR4 covers all the handgun calibres likely to be encountered in general crime and hijacking scenarios. Handguns are commonly used due to the ease with which they can be concealed,” said Armormax.
“If your security risk is from day-to-day crime encountered on our roads, like being followed home from the shops and being hijacked and robbed, then level BR4 protection is a good choice.”
BR4 armour replaces the windows with ballistic glass, reinforces the doors, body panels, pillars and roof with lightweight synthetic armour, and replaces the standard tyres with run-flat wheels.
All-in-all these targeted upgrades add around 180kg to the kerb weight of the vehicle while uppings its resistance against firearms significantly.
Creature comforts
Now that you know what you’re protected against, it’s also worth knowing what you’ll get if you decide to pull the trigger, figuratively speaking, on this bullet-resistant Infiniti.
Standout equipment on the SUV includes LED lights, 21-inch alloy wheels, black leather seats, a sunroof, an 8-inch infotainment system with built-in navigation, a reverse camera, and front and rear park distance control sensors.
It’s still in rather good condition, too, as its exterior, interior, and mechanical and electrical components have a “Like New” status according to the dealer.
This QX70 isn’t light on power, either.
Under the long bonnet is a 5.0-litre, V8 petrol engine with 287kW and 500Nm on tap which connects to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive system.
Due to the featherweight components in the B4 armouring package, the additional weight “has very little effect on the driving characteristics of the vehicle,” said Armormax.
As such, buyers can still expect the SUV to sprint to 100km/h in around six seconds and achieve its manufacturer-claimed top speed of 250km/h.
However, they should be ready to spend on fuel as this particular Infiniti is rather thirsty, burning through propellant at an average rate of 13.1l/100km.
Keyword: Cheapest armoured car in South Africa