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| The interior of the Sportage isn't quite what you would call the most exciting in the world. It is however functional and laid out quite well though the large amount of blue/grey plastic is a little tedious. I've found a US based manufacturer of interior trim kits that can greatly enhance the interior appearance of your Sportage and yes, they do manufacture RHD (right hand drive) interior kits for a wide range of cars here in Australia. The range is quite amazing. Choose from various carbon fibre kits in an array of colour combinations, wood grain, brushed aluminium to name just a few. Several kits are available from a 'basic' kit to a full interior kit that includes surrounds for power window switches, vents and so on; all the information is available from the link below. I've ordered the carbon fibre black/grey full kit which won't give me much change from $500 AUD landed here in Australia. Don't forget that you will probably have to pay about $112 AUD for customs duty and GST on top of the purchase price which they usually charge on delivery. Its taken about 3 weeks to arrive after ordering online on the secure website I have to say that, while the product is first rate that don't expect to get any e-mails or correspondence from the supplier. To be honest they're absolutely ignorant bastards without a single word to say the order was received or any replies to e-mails sent by me to that effect. Even the 'thank you' e-mail I sent after I received the kit went without comment ! Bad business me thinks. The web site is at : www.exoticwooddash.com |
| Interior |
| Above : This shows the full and basic kit pieces that make up the RHD Sportage pack. As you can see its quite extensive and included power window switch surrounds, centre console, instrument binnacle, vents and clock surrounds (full kit). This goes for about $200 US depending on style so don't expect much change from $500 AUD by the time duties and taxes are paid ! |
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| Here is how the kit will arrive; in a well packed cardboard box with all the pieces 'stuck' onto a semi-adhesive backing card complete with alcohol rubbing pads to prepare the dash for application of the kit. Also included is a sachet with a small sponge satuarated in a glue like compound inside. This is applied to the areas then allowed to dry and then the carbon fibre pieces applied after the sticky backing is removed. This stuff sticks like nothing I've seen before and is incredibly effective. One person can do this but 2 pairs of hands would be far better. The pieces fit absolutely perfectly and the quality of the finish is exceptional to say the least. |
| Dash Trim Kit |
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| Above & Right : some of the major centre console carbon fibre pieces as well as the Panasonic CD/tuner/stacker controller, cruise control and TX4200 UHF radio control module The carbon fibre pieces are difficult to photograph well enough to do them justice; the flash makes them look a bit loud but in reality add a lot of class to the interior. I've ordered a carbon fibre gearknob to complete the look. There are a number of other pieces including vent surrounds and window switch surrounds. The main box for the UHF is under the drivers seat next the front speaker amp; the 8 stacker is under the passenger seat and accessed from the front. |
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| Right : Large carbon fibre piece below the instrument binnacle. Left : Example of carbon fibre vent & demister surrounds. Also note the two identical fog lamp switches. One is the factory rear foglamps as fitted to Australian Sportages. The second is a switch I bought from a Kia dealer ($27 AUD) for my front spotlights and fitted where the 'blank' usually is. Its a 'tidy' place to fit an extra switch; its usally left 'on' at all times and are activated together with the high beam. The alarm LED is next one over to the left and finally the headlamp level adjuster; very handy when towing ! |