Kia Soul Hamster

Kia has announced plans to introduce a special edition Soul that celebrates the popular "This or That" commercial.
Dubbed the Hamster Edition, the model is distinguished by black exterior graphics, a rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin boasts a push-button ignition, automatic climate control, black leather seats and exclusive floor mats.
No word on pricing, but the Hamster Edition will start arriving at U.S. dealerships later this spring.

Kia Forte EX

With a glance at the fuel gauge, it seems as though the little peg might not have moved at all. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising with our test model’s fuel economy rating of 26-mpg in town and 36-mpg on the highway. Fuel bills decrease, smiles increase.
These numbers get a boost thanks to Kia’s EcoMinder fuel efficiency monitor. This system monitors throttle input and vehicle speed to determine when you are driving most efficiently. A small green indicator light marked “Eco” illuminates on the instrument cluster when the vehicle is travelling at its most efficient.
Powered by a modestly torquey 156-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder the Forte has adequate power under most conditions, but when you really punch it, it’s hard not to groan in disappointment. But let’s put on our practical thinking caps for a moment though; did we expect F1 style performance out of a compact sedan with a base price of $14,995? No. It would have been nice, but no.
Some buyers (younger males in particular) will appreciate the six-speed automatic transmission’s Sportmatic feature, allowing manual operation of the gears to eek out a bit more fun. Formerly a four-speed with an optional 5-speed, this new 6-speed auto-box is now standard on the EX trim.

Fed mulling standardizing keyless ignition systems

For 2011, there are 189 vehicles with push start technology, including many vehicles that retail for less than $20,000. But while the technology has proliferated to nearly every vehicle segment, each automaker has its own keyless ignition mechanism.
Automotive News reports that the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) International isn't crazy about this, and it's looking to standardize keyless ignition systems. The move can be at least partially viewed as a reaction to unintended acceleration issues faced by Toyota. Some Toyota owners who reported reported the UA phenomenon were unable to turn off the vehicle because Toyota's programmers necessitate that the star/stop button must be pressed for three or more seconds to cut off power to the engine.According to Automotive News, the SAE proposes that drivers should be able to stop the vehicle by pressing the button for .5 to two seconds, or by briefly pressing the button two or three times.

Infiniti G25

Finally, Infiniti is offering a more budget-oriented alternative in the G25 and while it might not have the big V6 under the hood or the 300+ horsepower, it’s a genuine luxury sports sedan without apologies.
SMALLER V6 MORE CAPABLE THAN ITS HORSEPOWER SUGGESTS

As the name suggests, it’s powered by a rather small 2.5-liter V6 engine that makes 218-hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. Mated to Infiniti’s excellent and quick-shifting 7-speed automatic it feels much faster and even sounds pretty mean. Apart from BMW’s six-speed unit, this might be the fastest reacting auto-box on the market and really makes living with an automatic less of a sacrifice.

A far cry from the 5.5 second sprint you’ll get from big brother G37, acceleration times are around 7.5 seconds to 60-mph, which is similar to what you’ll get in an Audi A4 or BMW 328i. ‘Fast’ isn’t a word to describe it, but few will find it lacking.