Defender has expanded its personalisation options with the introduction of six new exterior colours, combining shades from the brand’s heritage with contemporary finishes inspired by some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. The new Atlas colour collection will be available across multiple Defender models and specifications, including the new Defender Vertex, giving customers additional opportunities to personalise their vehicles. The collection features a mixture of returning heritage colours, modern interpretations of familiar shades and two entirely new finishes, each drawing inspiration from a different location around the world.
Among the six colours are Galway Green and Buckingham Blue, both returning from Defender’s extensive paint catalogue, while Mara Red and Pantelleria Blue reinterpret colours previously associated with the brand. Two completely new additions, Aira Green and Jenolan Gold, complete the collection, drawing inspiration from landscapes in the United Kingdom and Australia. Of particular interest to Irish buyers is the return of Galway Green, a colour inspired by the mountains, valleys and lakes of County Galway. The deep green finish reflects the rugged landscapes of Ireland’s west coast and brings back a shade that has previously featured in Defender’s colour range. It is a particularly appropriate choice for a vehicle with such a long association with rural Ireland, where generations of Land Rovers have been used for everything from farming and forestry to everyday transport.
Buckingham Blue is another returning heritage colour, having previously been available on Defender models between 2006 and 2013. The rich blue finish offers a more traditional appearance, while Mara Red takes its inspiration from the former Masai Red paint, with its updated colour influenced by the landscapes of southwest Kenya. Pantelleria Blue, meanwhile, provides a contemporary interpretation of the classic Pageant Blue. Its deep tones are inspired by the Mediterranean Sea surrounding the volcanic Italian island of Pantelleria, combining a familiar Defender colour with a more modern finish.
The two entirely new colours introduce a different character to the range. Aira Green takes its inspiration from the moss-covered surroundings of Aira Force Waterfall in England’s Lake District, while Jenolan Gold reflects the golden limestone formations of the Jenolan Caves in Australia’s Blue Mountains. Both finishes have been developed specifically for the Atlas collection. The new colours are being produced using Defender’s Universal Paint Line at its manufacturing facility in Nitra, Slovakia. Developed following additional investment at the plant, the robotic painting facility uses advanced technology designed to deliver greater consistency and precision across the vehicle’s exterior panels.
The system incorporates seven-axis overhead rail robots with automatically changing spray nozzles, allowing the entire vehicle to be painted in-house while maintaining consistent colour coverage. Defender says the additional production processes also contribute to improved durability, with the Atlas finishes undergoing extensive testing to ensure they can withstand demanding environmental conditions. As part of its testing programme, Defender subjects painted panels to grit-blasting tests at four times the industry standard, followed by repeated 72-hour water immersion cycles. These procedures are designed to assess the long-term resilience of the finishes, particularly for vehicles likely to encounter challenging driving conditions.
All six Atlas colours are supplied with a black contrast roof as standard, although customers can also specify a white contrast roof. Gloss or Matte Protective Films are available for those seeking additional protection or a different visual finish. The films are designed to help protect the paintwork against minor scratches and damage from vegetation, with self-healing properties that use exposure to sunlight to help reduce the appearance of fine surface marks. The Atlas collection joins Defender’s existing exterior colour options, which include Namib Orange, Tasman Blue, Woolstone Green and Carpathian Grey. Selected Defender X, Vertex and OCTA models can also be specified with a Patagonia White Matte Wrap combined with Fuji White paintwork.
Patrick McGillycuddy, Managing Director of Defender, believes the additional finishes will appeal to customers seeking a more individual appearance for their vehicles.
“The Atlas colours are the rarest expressions of Defender, created for those who value individuality and authenticity. The range introduces a vibrant and rugged set of new exterior finishes to our clients, offering even greater customisation and choice to an already comprehensive line-up. With Aira Green and Jenolan Gold, clients can choose newly created colours to push the boundaries of adventure, while Galway Green, Buckingham Blue, Mara Red and Pantelleria Blue exude the legacy and heritage of Defender’s globetrotting history.”
The introduction of the Atlas collection reflects the growing importance of personalisation within the premium SUV market, where exterior finishes and individual specifications are increasingly significant considerations for buyers. For Defender, the new colours also provide an opportunity to reconnect with its heritage while offering customers a wider range of contemporary finishes. Irish pricing and availability details for the Atlas colour collection have yet to be confirmed.
