KIA Motors America kicked off SEMA 2007 with the debut of their Spectra5 SX Concept. A bright orange, lightly modified version of their entry level 5-door sporty hatchback.

KIA Motors America president Len Hunt presented the concept car, stating that it hints at the new look of the next generation Spectra5 due to break cover at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

Hint seems to be the operative word here, because the car is so lightly styled (by SEMA standards) that it seems unrealistic that KIA would not make more significant changes in the next gen Spectra.

In any case, we think the car looks good if a bit restrained. The major exterior changes appear to be in the front end, set off by a unique front fascia with expanded openings and mesh grille inserts. The front grille also received a tweaking: squint your eyes and you ll see what looks to be a large H surrounding the oval KIA logo (perhaps a homage to parent company Hyundai?).

Along the sides, revised rocker panels help make the Spectra5 appear low slung, an effect accentuated by Eibach coil springs that lower the car 1.4-inch (front) and 1.2-inch (rear). The rear bumper has been aired out and meshed over and a small black spoiler extends the roofline a bit. Tinted head and taillights round out the exterior package.

Performance modifications are equally mild. At the corners are 18-inch black chrome finished twin spoke O.Z. rims wrapped in 235/45/18 Dunlop SP Sport tires, Behind them are cross-drilled and slotted four wheel disc brakes with Rotora four-piston aluminum calipers (front). Along with the aforementioned Eibach springs, the only other suspension mod is a Tanabe front strut tower brace. Engine and interior modifications are even lighter: just a cat-back exhaust with 2.25 inch tip and Sparco shift knob inside.

So what do we think? As hints go, this is a bit too subtle for us. We’ll wait until LA before passing judgement. [Source: Motortrend]