Defender has launched six new exterior colours for its Atlas range. The range is available across the Defender line-up, including the new Defender Vertex.
The colours fall into three groups. Mara Red and Pantelleria Blue are inspired by former Defender paints. Galway Green and Buckingham Blue are heritage shades returning to the range, and Aira Green and Jenolan Gold are entirely new.
Revived and reimagined classics
Mara Red updates the heritage Masai Red. Its tone is drawn from the savannah of southwest Kenya, where Defender says the colour takes its character from the region's wide horizons and safari country.
Pantelleria Blue reworks the classic Pageant Blue. Defender describes it as a blend of Mediterranean depths and the rugged volcanic terrain of Pantelleria, Italy, updated for modern Defender models.
Galway Green returns from Defender’s heritage palette. It draws on the valleys, mountains and lakes of County Galway in Ireland. Buckingham Blue also makes a comeback. Defender offered it between 2006 and 2013, and it is linked to the brand’s long tradition of off-road exploration.
Two new colours
Aira Green is named after the Aira Force Waterfall in England’s Lake District. Its mossy tone reflects the banks of the falls, and Defender positions it as a colour for challenging terrain.
Jenolan Gold takes its inspiration from the golden limestone caves of Jenolan, beneath Australia’s Blue Mountains. Defender says the colour echoes the rock formations and matches the vehicle’s reputation for durability.
How the colours are made
The Atlas colours are the first to be produced on a new Universal Paint Line at Defender’s plant in Nitra, Slovakia, which received additional investment for the project. The facility uses seven-axis robots on an overhead rail to paint entire vehicles, with spray nozzles that switch automatically to ensure even coverage and a smooth finish.
Defender says the extra processing step improves durability. The paints are tested to withstand four times the industry standard for grit blasting, and painted panels are submerged in water for 72 hours, a cycle that is repeated.
Atlas colours come with a black contrast roof as standard, though buyers can choose a white one. Owners can also add Gloss or Matte Protective Films, which Defender says guard against everyday knocks such as scratches in car parks and scrapes from brambles. The film also has self-healing properties, using sunlight to help fade minor micro-scratches over time.
Wider colour choices
The six new shades join existing options, including Namib Orange, introduced earlier this year, as well as Tasman Blue, Woolstone Green and Carpathian Grey. Defender X, Vertex and OCTA models can also be fitted with Patagonia White Matte Wrap, developed with Fuji White.
Patrick McGillycuddy, Managing Director of Defender, said the Atlas range was created for buyers who value individuality, offering “even greater customisation and choice” across the line-up.
