Defender has introduced six new exterior colours as part of its Atlas range, combining heritage shades with new finishes inspired by landscapes in Kenya, Ireland, Italy, the UK and Australia.
The new colours will be available across the Defender line-up and multiple specifications, including the new Defender Vertex. The range includes Mara Red, Pantelleria Blue, Galway Green, Buckingham Blue, Aira Green and Jenolan Gold.
Four of the colours draw on Defender’s history, while Aira Green and Jenolan Gold are entirely new additions.
Mara Red is a modern interpretation of the former Masai Red, while Pantelleria Blue takes inspiration from the classic Pageant Blue. Galway Green and Buckingham Blue also return to the range as heritage colours.
The two new shades have different inspirations. Aira Green takes its colour from the moss-covered surroundings of Aira Force Waterfall in England’s Lake District, while Jenolan Gold draws inspiration from the golden limestone formations of Australia’s Jenolan Caves.
New paint facility in Slovakia
The Atlas colours are the first to be developed using Defender’s new Universal Paint Line facility in Nitra, Slovakia, following additional investment at the plant.
The facility uses seven-axis overhead rail robots with automatically changing spray nozzles to achieve consistent paint coverage across the vehicle.
Defender says the new process adds an additional stage to production and is designed to improve colour consistency and paint durability.
The company also puts the finishes through testing that includes exposure to four times the industry-standard grit blasting. Painted panels are submerged in water for 72 hours before the testing cycle is repeated.
Additional personalisation options
All six Atlas colours come standard with a black contrast roof, although buyers can also specify a white contrast roof.
Customers can further personalise the exterior with Gloss or Matte Protective Films. These add a layer of protection against scratches and other surface damage.
The protective film also features self-healing properties, using ultraviolet light from the sun to help repair minor surface scratches over time.
The new colours join existing Defender finishes such as Namib Orange, Tasman Blue, Woolstone Green and Carpathian Grey. Defender X, Vertex and OCTA models also offer a Patagonia White Matte Wrap option paired with Fuji White.
The Atlas range adds further exterior customisation options to the Defender line-up, bringing together returning heritage colours and new finishes inspired by some of the world’s distinctive landscapes.
