5 days ago
13
Mazda cars have always offered a high level of safety equipment, but never like this.
Family Cars
Need to travel around in safety, but don't want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself? Mazda in Colombia may have just the solution.
Colombian buyers wanting a CX-30, CX-5, or CX-50 can now order their preferred SUV with optional bulletproofing, thanks to a new service offered by Mazda.
As reported by Hatena Blog, several Mazda models can now be upgraded to Level 2 armour, offering protection for occupants against small arms fire up to calibres of 9mm and .357 magnum.
The service adds 17mm shatterproof multi-layer glass, along with three-dimensional ballistic panels for all hard surfaces.
While it's relatively light degree of protection compared to those available from dedicated armouring specialists – which cater to high-threat targets such as government officials, diplomats, and VIPs – Mazda says it does not require special permission from Colombian authorities to be purchased by civilians.
Mazda claims that despite the additional weight, the vehicles maintain their on-road dynamics.
The company also offers a three-year guarantee against glass delamination and a 10-year warranty on ballistic materials.
According to Statista, Mazda was the fourth highest-selling car brand in Colombia in 2023 with almost 18,000 sales, sitting behind Renault, Toyota, and Chevrolet – with the CX-30 competing for the most popular model on sale.
While bulletproof armouring has been available on BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other luxury vehicles for decades – as well as on large SUV such as Toyota LandCruisers and Chevrolet Suburbans – the market appears to be growing.
Buyers in certain parts of the world can now order armoured for more accessible vehicles such as Skodas, Ford Rangers, and even the GWM Tank 500.
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Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.
