Kia Sportage – car soundproofing, FineVu GX4K dash cam installation and car audio upgrade
In this project, a Kia Sportage arrived at Sound Audio System in Lublin for a complete upgrade focused on driving comfort, safety and sound quality. The work included car soundproofing, front and rear FineVu GX4K dash cam installation with parking mode, and a full car audio upgrade based on ESB Audio, Zapco and Steg components.
The soundproofing package covered the front doors, rear doors, front and rear wheel arches, trunk area and tailgate. We also installed the FineVu GX4K front and rear dash cam set, which records both the road ahead and the area behind the vehicle. Thanks to the parking mode connection, the system also helps protect the car when the engine is turned off.
The audio system was upgraded with ESB Audio 4.165 mid-woofers working actively in the front, ESB Audio 4.28 tweeters, ESB Audio 3.6C rear coaxial speakers, a Steg ST-10P subwoofer and a Zapco HB 501D II monoblock amplifier. The whole setup is managed and powered by a Zapco ST-6X DSP amplifier, which drives the front speakers actively and powers the rear section in a standard configuration.
If you are planning a similar upgrade for your car, you can check our car soundproofing configurator or contact us directly:
Sound Audio System
Północna 67, 20-064 Lublin, Poland
phone: +48 534 346 658
Car audio upgrade in Kia Sportage – ESB Audio, Zapco and Steg
The second key part of this project was the car audio upgrade. In this Kia Sportage, we used components from ESB Audio, Zapco and Steg to achieve better dynamics, improved control, stronger bass response and a much more natural sound compared to the factory audio system.
The front system was built in an active configuration. This means that the mid-woofers and tweeters are driven by separate amplifier channels with DSP processing. This setup allows us to precisely adjust the sound stage, time alignment, equalisation and crossover points. As a result, the sound is not random — it is tuned to the vehicle interior and the driver’s listening position.
Active front system – ESB Audio 4.165 and ESB Audio 4.28
The front sound stage is based on ESB Audio 4.165 mid-woofers and ESB Audio 4.28 tweeters. The ESB Audio 4.165 speakers are responsible for midrange, vocals and the lower part of the front spectrum, while the ESB Audio 4.28 tweeters add detail, air and precision in the high frequencies.
The front stage is powered actively, so each part of the front speaker system can be adjusted precisely from the DSP processor. This solution works especially well when the goal is not only more volume, but above all better sound quality, control and a properly built music stage.
You can also read more about these mid-woofers in our dedicated review: ESB Audio 4.165 speaker test.
Rear speakers – ESB Audio 3.6C
In the rear section of the car, we installed ESB Audio 3.6C, a 6.5-inch / 165 mm two-way coaxial speaker set. The rear speakers were designed as a support section, so passengers also benefit from improved sound quality while the entire system remains tonally consistent with the front stage.
The rear speakers work in a standard configuration, but their installation was combined with proper door soundproofing. This helps reduce metal panel resonance and improves the working conditions of the speakers. In practice, the sound becomes fuller, cleaner and better controlled in the lower frequency range.
Zapco ST-6X DSP – amplifier with DSP processor
The central element of the system is the Zapco ST-6X DSP. This amplifier with DSP is responsible for powering the active front system and the rear speakers in a standard configuration. Thanks to DSP processing, it is possible to adjust time alignment, levels, equalisation and crossover settings.
In a properly built car audio system, choosing the right speakers is only the beginning. Installation quality, door soundproofing and tuning are just as important. Only the combination of these elements allows the system to sound clean, organised and enjoyable during everyday driving.
Steg ST-10P and Zapco HB 501D II – bass section
The low-frequency section is handled by the Steg ST-10P, a passive 10-inch / 25 cm subwoofer in an enclosure. This solution clearly extends the low-frequency range without taking up too much trunk space.
The subwoofer is powered by the Zapco HB 501D II monoblock amplifier. Thanks to a dedicated amplifier, the bass section works with proper stability, power reserve and control, without overloading the amplifier responsible for the front and rear speakers.
Car audio equipment available at Systemy Car Audio
The components used in this project are available in our Systemy Car Audio store. This way, the customer received not only professional installation, but also a proven set of components selected for this particular vehicle and the expected sound effect.
The Kia Sportage system included:
- ESB Audio 4.165 – front mid-woofer speakers,
- ESB Audio 4.28 – front tweeters,
- ESB Audio 3.6C – rear coaxial speakers,
- Zapco ST-6X DSP – amplifier with DSP processor for system control,
- Steg ST-10P – 10-inch subwoofer in an enclosure,
- Zapco HB 501D II – monoblock amplifier for the subwoofer.
The result after the Kia Sportage audio upgrade
The combination of soundproofed doors, an actively powered front system, DSP processing and a dedicated bass section made the system sound much better than the factory audio setup. The sound became more dynamic, clearer and more stable. The bass is better controlled, vocals are more precise, and the sound stage has been tuned to make music listening during everyday driving more natural and enjoyable.
FineVu GX4K front and rear dash cam installation in Kia Sportage
The next stage of the Kia Sportage project was a professional dash cam installation using the FineVu GX4K front and rear camera system. The set was connected to record while driving and to provide additional protection when the vehicle is parked thanks to parking mode.
For this car, we used the FineVu GX4K complete set with a 128 GB memory card and built-in power module for parking mode. It is a solution for drivers who want high-quality front and rear recordings, as well as additional protection when the car is left unattended.
FineVu GX4K front camera near the rear view mirror
The front camera was installed in a clean and discreet position near the rear view mirror. This placement provides a wide field of view while keeping the camera out of the driver’s way during everyday driving. The wiring was routed invisibly, without loose cables on the windscreen or dashboard.
In practice, the dash cam looks neat, works automatically and remains ready to record as soon as the vehicle is started. A proper dash cam installation is important not only for aesthetics, but also for the reliability of the entire system.
FineVu GX4K rear camera
The second camera was installed at the rear of the vehicle to record what happens behind the car. This is especially useful in city traffic, parking situations, manoeuvring and road incidents that take place behind the vehicle.
A front and rear dash cam set provides a much more complete record of what happens around the car. The front camera records the road ahead, while the rear camera captures events behind the vehicle. This gives the driver stronger video evidence than a single-channel recorder.
Parking mode – protection when the car is parked
The FineVu GX4K was connected with parking mode support. This means the dash cam can help protect the vehicle even when the car is parked. It is a very useful feature in residential car parks, shopping centre car parks, underground garages and any place where the vehicle may be exposed to parking damage, door hits, scratches or other incidents.
Parking mode requires correct power connection, so we install it safely for the vehicle’s electrical system. This allows the dash cam to work reliably while reducing the risk of unnecessary battery drain.
FineVu GX4K – product and review
The FineVu GX4K used in this project is available in the Systemy Car Audio store. Drivers who want to learn more about its recording quality and functions can also read our dedicated review: FineVu GX4K premium dash cam test.
In this Kia Sportage, the FineVu GX4K set perfectly complemented the rest of the work. The car gained improved acoustic comfort, better sound quality and additional protection while driving and parking.
Kia Sportage door soundproofing – better comfort and improved speaker performance
One of the most important stages of this project was door soundproofing. In this Kia Sportage, we worked on both the front and rear doors. This is a crucial part of the whole project, because car doors act not only as body panels, but also as working chambers for the speakers.
Without proper preparation, the door metal can resonate, and part of the speaker’s energy is lost. After applying butyl damping material and acoustic foam, the doors become stiffer, quieter and much better prepared for the car audio system.
Front door soundproofing
The front doors are the most important working area for the audio system, because this is where the main front sound stage is located. In this Kia Sportage, the front section was prepared for an active configuration with ESB Audio 4.165 mid-woofers and ESB Audio 4.28 tweeters.
Front door soundproofing reduces resonance, improves panel stiffness and allows the speakers to work in much more stable conditions. As a result, the midrange becomes clearer, the bass from the doors is better controlled, and the whole system can be tuned more precisely through the DSP processor.
Rear door soundproofing
The rear doors were also acoustically prepared. In this part of the vehicle, we installed ESB Audio 3.6C, a 6.5-inch / 165 mm two-way coaxial speaker set. Rear door soundproofing improves passenger comfort and reduces unwanted noise coming from the body panels.
The combination of butyl damping material and acoustic foam helps reduce metal panel vibration, limits the hollow metallic sound of the door and improves the working conditions of the installed speakers. This is especially important when the audio upgrade also includes the rear section of the vehicle.
How door soundproofing improves speaker sound
Door soundproofing has a direct impact on the final audio result. Even very good speakers will not show their full potential if they are installed in resonating, untreated doors. That is why, in professional car audio upgrades, we focus not only on choosing the right equipment, but also on preparing the installation area properly.
In this Kia Sportage, door soundproofing brought two benefits at the same time: better driving comfort and better sound quality. The car became acoustically calmer, while the ESB Audio speakers gained more stable working conditions, resulting in a fuller and more organised sound.
Kia Sportage trunk and tailgate soundproofing
In this Kia Sportage, we also carried out trunk soundproofing, side panel treatment and tailgate damping. This is a very important stage in SUV vehicles, because the rear part of the body can transfer noise from the wheels, wheel arches, floor and luggage area into the cabin.
Soundproofing this part of the car improves driving comfort, reduces booming from the rear of the body and supports the performance of the audio system. In this Kia Sportage, it was especially important because the car was also equipped with a Steg ST-10P subwoofer powered by a Zapco HB 501D II monoblock amplifier.
Trunk floor soundproofing
The trunk floor was prepared with butyl damping material, which helps reduce sheet metal vibration and resonance. In SUV vehicles, this area is very important because it is located close to the rear wheels, wheel arches and luggage compartment.
After applying the butyl material, the trunk becomes more acoustically stable, and noise coming from the rear of the vehicle is less noticeable. It also improves the perception of low frequencies from the subwoofer, as less energy is lost through uncontrolled vibration of body panels.
Trunk side panel soundproofing
The trunk side panels were treated with acoustic foam. This material helps reduce noise transfer into the cabin and limits unwanted sounds generated behind the trim panels. It is especially important in vehicles with a large luggage area connected directly to the passenger cabin.
As a result, the rear section of the car becomes quieter, and sounds from the wheel arches and luggage area are less noticeable during everyday driving. This improves not only travel comfort, but also the way the audio system is perceived, especially at lower listening levels.
Tailgate soundproofing
We also soundproofed the tailgate by applying butyl damping material to the inner metal structure. The tailgate is a large body element that may generate resonance, especially while driving on uneven roads or when the subwoofer is playing.
After soundproofing, the tailgate becomes more stable and closes with a more solid, less metallic feel. It is a detail that improves everyday comfort and completes the overall damping of the rear section of the Kia Sportage.
Trunk soundproofing and the Steg ST-10P subwoofer
In this project, trunk soundproofing was also directly connected with the audio upgrade. The Steg ST-10P subwoofer was added to extend the low-frequency range and give the system a fuller sound character.
If the trunk and tailgate are not properly prepared, low frequencies can cause unpleasant vibrations of trim panels and body parts. That is why, when upgrading car audio, soundproofing the rear section of the vehicle is a very good complement to subwoofer installation.
Kia Sportage wheel arch soundproofing – less tyre and road noise
Another very important stage of this project was wheel arch soundproofing. In this Kia Sportage, we worked on both the front and rear wheel arches. These are areas through which tyre rolling noise, water spray, stones, sand and road surface noise often enter the cabin.
In SUV vehicles, wheel arch soundproofing is especially important because larger wheels, a higher body and a spacious cabin can make road noise more noticeable while driving. Properly selected damping materials help reduce these sounds and improve travel comfort for both the driver and passengers.
Plastic wheel arch prepared for additional soundproofing.Front wheel arch soundproofing
The front wheel arches are one of the main sources of noise in a vehicle. This is where much of the tyre rolling noise, small stone impact and water spray noise is generated.
In the Kia Sportage, the front wheel arches were carefully prepared, cleaned and treated with sound damping material. Applying butyl damping material helps reduce vibration of the body panels and limits noise transfer into the cabin.
Rear wheel arch soundproofing
The rear wheel arches also have a strong impact on driving comfort, especially in SUVs and vehicles with a larger luggage area. Noise from the rear of the vehicle can be heard not only by rear passengers, but also by the driver at higher speeds.
In this project, the rear wheel arches were soundproofed together with the trunk area. As a result, the rear section of the Kia Sportage became acoustically calmer, while tyre and suspension noise became less noticeable inside the cabin.
Plastic wheel arch liner soundproofing
Apart from the metal body elements, preparing the plastic wheel arch liners is also very important. These parts are directly exposed to water, sand, mud and stones, so they can generate a lot of unpleasant noise while driving.
The plastic wheel arch liners were prepared for the application of soundproofing material. This helps reduce noise generated directly around the wheels before it is transferred further through the body structure into the vehicle interior.
How wheel arch soundproofing improves driving comfort
Wheel arch soundproofing is one of the most noticeable upgrades when the driver is bothered by tyre and road noise. The effect is especially noticeable on rough road surfaces, at higher speeds and when driving on wet roads.
Combined with door, trunk and tailgate soundproofing, this Kia Sportage gained much better acoustic comfort. This type of work creates a complete car soundproofing package that has a real impact on everyday driving comfort.
Kia Sportage after the project – quieter, safer and with better sound
After completing all the work, this Kia Sportage gained a completely new level of comfort, safety and sound quality. As part of one complete project, we carried out car soundproofing, front and rear FineVu GX4K dash cam installation with parking mode, and a full car audio upgrade based on ESB Audio, Zapco and Steg components.
This kind of upgrade makes the car much more enjoyable in everyday use. The cabin is quieter, the audio system has better working conditions, and the dash cameras provide additional protection while driving and parking. It is a very practical combination for cars used daily, both in the city and on longer routes.
Car soundproofing in Lublin
In this Kia Sportage, we soundproofed the front doors, rear doors, front and rear wheel arches, trunk area and tailgate. This helped reduce road noise, wheel noise, rear body noise and resonance from body panels.
If you want to check the estimated cost of similar work for your vehicle, use our car soundproofing configurator. It is a quick way to choose the scope of work and prepare for a detailed consultation.
Car audio in Kia Sportage
The audio system was based on products available in the Systemy Car Audio store. We used ESB Audio speakers, Zapco amplifiers and a Steg subwoofer. The front stage was configured actively, and the whole system was prepared to achieve a better sound stage, improved dynamics and fuller bass response.
The project included:
- ESB Audio 4.165 – front mid-woofer speakers,
- ESB Audio 4.28 – front tweeters,
- ESB Audio 3.6C – rear coaxial speakers,
- Steg ST-10P – 10-inch subwoofer in an enclosure,
- Zapco HB 501D II – monoblock amplifier for the subwoofer,
- Zapco ST-6X DSP – amplifier with DSP for system control and power.
Drivers interested in the ESB Audio 4.165 speakers can also read our review: ESB Audio 4.165 mid-woofer speaker test.
FineVu GX4K dash cam installation
We also installed the FineVu GX4K front and rear dash cam set with parking mode. This solution improves vehicle safety and records road situations both in front of and behind the car.
More information about this model is available in our review: FineVu GX4K premium dash cam test. If you are interested in professional dash cam installation, check our installations page: car audio, dash cam and soundproofing installations.
Similar projects and contact
See our other car audio, soundproofing and dash cam installation projects. Every car is treated individually, so the scope of work is selected according to the vehicle model, customer expectations and the final effect we want to achieve.
Planning a similar upgrade for your car? Contact us and tell us what you need: better sound, a quieter cabin, dash cam installation or a complete package of upgrades.
Sound Audio System
Północna 67, 20-064 Lublin, Poland
phone: +48 534 346 658