New Defender MY26 Arrives in New Zealand
We officially welcomed the Defender MY26 to Aotearoa with an immersive launch experience in Taupō, a proving ground worthy of the most capable Defender range ever. Media and retailer partners joined us to experience a vehicle engineered for real adventure and unmistakably Defender in every detail.
The Adventure Never Stops Evolving
Led by Downforce’s globally trained instructors, specialists who deliver Defender programmes across some of the world’s toughest environments, guests were taken deep into the technologies, design updates and engineering advancements that define the new model year. Their guidance ensured every participant understood not just what Defender can do, but why it continues to set the benchmark for modern capability.
Defender in its Element
Our purpose-built drive route traversed Taupō’s steep volcanic climbs, technical descents and rugged forest trails, offering guests the chance to feel the vehicle’s enhanced confidence, new driver-assistance systems and signature breadth of ability.
Led by Downforce’s globally trained instructors, specialists who deliver Defender programmes across some of the world’s toughest environments, guests were taken deep into the technologies, design updates and engineering advancements that define the new model year. Their guidance ensured every participant understood not just what Defender can do, but why it continues to set the benchmark for modern capability.
Bold New Design Meets Proven Capability
From the updated, more purposeful exterior design to intelligent features such as Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, the Defender MY26 demonstrated how it effortlessly transitions between the most challenging terrain and New Zealand’s everyday roads.
The day concluded at Kinloch Manor, where attendees reflected on an extraordinary drive and the arrival of a strengthened Defender family, including upgraded powertrains, expanded personalisation options and advanced safety technologies engineered for those who go further.
26MY Defender is now available.
Led by Downforce’s globally trained instructors, specialists who deliver Defender programmes across some of the world’s toughest environments, guests were taken deep into the technologies, design updates and engineering advancements that define the new model year. Their guidance ensured every participant understood not just what Defender can do, but why it continues to set the benchmark for modern capability.
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