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Kia Celebrates Hamster Commercials with Soul Hamstar Edition

Kia's "This and That" commercial, which starred animated hamsters waxing poetic about the Soul hatchback, was nothing if not memorable. Whether you loved it or hated it, ratings group Nielsen awarded the spot its "Automotive Ad of the Year" award for 2010. Kia is celebrating the honor by launching a special-edition model dubbed Soul Hamstar Edition.

This is just the latest in an excessively long list of special-edition Kia Soul models. Prior ones include the White Tiger, Ghost, Ignition, Dragon, and Denim. Why the change from hamster to hamstar for this car's name? Presumably because the special model has a big black star emblazoned on its hood.

Hamstar models begin life as a Molten Red Kia Soul+ with a four-speed automatic transmission. They're dressed up with the aforementioned black star graphic, matte-black stripes on the driver and passenger doors, black fender vents, a blacked-out fuel door, and black 18-inch wheels. Upgrades for the interior encompass special Hamstar floor mats, black leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and an upgraded sound system with 315-watt amplifier and speaker lights that pulse in sync with music.

"We are committed to keeping [the Kia Soul] fresh, fun and relevant in the marketplace and the special edition Hamstar Soul is the latest embodiment of that philosophy," said Michael Sprague, vice president of Kia marketing and Communications.

If, like the commercial's rapping rodents recommend, you decide to "go with this", your Kia dealer will require a check for $20,990 (including destination.) The regular 2011 Soul+ automatic starts at $17,190.

Like previous special editions, the Kia Soul Hamstar will only be available for a limited time. If you miss out on this car, don't worry: Kia tells us more customized Souls are in the cards for later this year.

Source: Kia