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Oh that wonderful piano black - solutions?

38K views 109 replies 32 participants last post by  younothat  
#1 · (Edited)
I love my car but there's 2 things that really annoy me about it -

1. It doesn't have WIRELESS Apple Carplay
2. The piano black on the console

Has anyone found a solution to replace the piano black with something else?
I think the carbon fiber look that's on my doors would look pretty nice on the console.

I'm a bit OCD and the smudges and scratches are going to drive me crazy.
If you have replaced or fixed this issue PLEASE post any fixes and/or pics.

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
You can get pre-cut "carbon fiber" overlays on Aliexpress. Just search for Sportage NQ5 accessories and you'll find them. Everything should be compatible since you have a hybrid. Non-hybrid versions don't come with the dial type transmission selector, so that part won't be compatible.
 
#9 ·
I love my car but there's 2 things that really annoy me about it -

1. It doesn't have WIRELESS Apple Carplay
2. The piano black on the console

Has anyone found a solution to replace the piano black with something else?
I think the carbon fiber look that's on my doors would look pretty nice on the console.

I'm a bit OCD and the smudges and scratches are going to drive me crazy.
If you have replaced or fixed this issue PLEASE post any fixes and/or pics.

Thanks!
I keep a microfiber cloth in the center console to take care of fingerprints and dust.

As for the wired apple and android car play. I found 1 ft cables that work perfectly to connect to the infotainment center. I keep a longer cable in my glove box if a passenger needs it to charge their phone while using it.
 
#12 ·
Was it a vinyl overlay that you stuck on? Where did you get it from? Got a picture? When I get my Sportage (ordered) I was thinking about printing my own; I hate fingerprints.

Nevermind, I should have seen the earlier post.
 
#22 ·
By the way, there is a solution for the wireless carplay as well. I use the ottocast wireless carplay adapter and it works seamlessly. Never have to take the phone out of your pocket and it boots up fast. Pretty much the same as having wireless carplay built in.

 
#27 ·
I'm another one using the CarlinKit 3.0 for wireless CarPlay. It's been working fine, and even faster to change tracks with Apple Music than the factory wireless CarPlay in my previous '21 Niro LX. That always had a few seconds of lag after hitting the next track button.

I did have an issue yesterday. I booted up Waze for the first time, just for the drive alerts, and after a few minutes, my CarlinKit stopped working. No light. I plugged in my iPhone to the same USB-A port, and nothing happened. The port seemed to have died. After letting it sit for about an hour at our destination, all seemed well after a restart. I'm not sure if it's an issue that cropped up due to Waze, but I haven't had an issue until now.
 
#34 ·
That's too bad. I am sure the seller will make it right. He sells plenty of these. More and more of the packages I have received lately are completely crushed by the carrier. Not sure what is going on. I ordered a set of mud guards for the Sorento and the boxes were damaged and crushed. Thankfully, mud guards are flexible.
 
#51 ·
Received mine today.
No damage, box was a little crushed but they survived.
I love the look, peach wood, ones shown in other posts. Nice matte finish and thin so should work well.

Anybody heat the strips as suggested or just stick them on?
Thanks.
 
#52 ·
I would clean the area with rubbing alcohol and maybe a bit of heat.

Make sure you test fit them to see exactly where to place them, especially on the doors. If you put them too far forward the window switches will get stuck in the "down" position. There is not a lot of room for error.

Enjoy your new trim pieces. I know my wife loves the ones on her Sportage Hybrid.
 
#53 ·
I just wiped mine down with a Norwex EnviroCloth microfiber cloth and Window cloth. Didn't want to chance any chemicals or alcohol possibly causing any damage to the piano black. Line them up - test fit - peel the red strips, and stick them on - carefully lining them up before the push. As Spark mentioned, be sure to position the door pieces further away from the window buttons, as they can snag.
 
#59 ·
LMAO I responded on my phone while pumping gas this morning... Accidently posted with no actual response. I SWEAR I editing it and made an actual post. I see that didn't happen and only checked again because I got a reaction alert.

I am not clever enough to have quoted a post that said don't quote me on this and then done a mic drop. Hilarious but completely unintentional. Leaving it for posterity.
___

What I tried to post is....

They should just drop the navigation. Doesn't everyone just use their phones? I never use the navigation on my wife's car we only use Google maps (Apple maps programmers were on LSD I don't trust it. As much as Apple gets right that map app is horrible)

I equate that Kia/Hyundai are doing to "We are having issues with the CD player that no one uses anymore so lets put in a radio with a cassette deck instead until we figure it out"

Would anyone care if their was no on board navigation if your phone connected wirelessly instead?
 
#70 ·
Was anybody able to find the center console cover for a "regular" gear shift model? Seems only dial-shift overlays are available :( Got X-line AWD here and just ordered door handle "wooden" panels from amazon, but can't find anything for center console.
 
#71 ·
It'll be very difficult. the 2.5L engine I think is exclusive for the North American market and they're the only ones with the "normal" gear shifter. Since pretty much all of the overlays are made in China, they only manufacture the dial shifter versions.
 
#73 ·
I just compared the two vehicles and they are exactly the same part. I think even the base that connects the shifter boot to the gear indicator are the same. If the K5 forum has something that the members are using, they should all be fully compatible with the Sportage. I haven't searched for something like that personally though, sorry
 
#74 · (Edited)
If anyone is looking to buy the woodgrain version of the covers, I'm selling a set. They've never been used. I was just overzealous on ordering these before the vehicle arrived and now decided to get a different car instead.

I have
Window Switch Covers - wood grain
Gear Shift Panel Cover - wood grain
Tempered Glass Screen Protector (right half only)
Center Armrest Storage Box Organizer

I will sell everything for $40 shipped from Texas. That's about half off and you don't have to wait for shipping from China!
Sold to gmhl10!