This VW Golf is cladded against Kalashnikov rifle fire

Many of us think of armored vehicles as luxury rides of business owners and government officials, but it really differs from country to country. In South Africa, weaponized crime is so high that even those driving the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI are willing to pay for protection.

The tuner, SVI Engineering, claims that 3.5mm stainless steel plating lets the Golf withstand continued 7.62-caliber rifle fire, essentially proofing the car against AK-47 attacks. The plates cover the sides, the doors, the roof, the pillars and the rear bumper. Light ballistic glass all around can also repel bullets, but no more than four per any given 300mm (12-inch) square section.

All this cladding means the sporty hatchback weighs 340 kilos (750 lbs) more than stock. The tuner reinforces the suspension to match the load, but doesn’t mess with the engine, meaning that you can expect somewhat slower acceleration.

Customers in South Africa can already order such a car based on a Golf GTI or R starting from €32,000 before taxes and not counting the donor. It will be ready in three months or so.