The 2024 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid continues to be everything we need in a car, so when we had the chance to test drive it – in our fave colour Urban Grey Pearl nonetheless – we knew we’d be in great hands! We’ve driven a number of SUVs in the Honda family of late, so this was a refreshing reminder of this midsize Sedan’s great versatility and agility.

It was a week of celebration with parties, Pride and Canada Day giving us the perfect reason to drive around town in style!

The 2024 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC with dual variable timing control (VTC) 4-cylinder engine, running at a combined total 204 horsepower, including Eco-Assist for maximum fuel efficiency. In terms of Fuel Economy, you get 5.0/5.7/5.3 L/100 km (city/highway/combined) and an array of options with ECON, Normal, Sport and Individual mode drive toggle. We will say this, we’ve driven many Honda vehicles, but this gives you the most mileage on the least gas. It was jawdropping seeing little we paid for gas and how much we got out of a tank.

Aesthtically, the Accord Touring Hybrid boasts a beautiful uniform look with body-coloured door handles, folding door mirrors, heated power door mirrors that are body-coloured, with reverse gear tilt-down (passenger side). We love that one-touch power moonroof and rain-sensing windshield wipers – this is the only build in the 2024 Accord series that has this. Believe us, we got plenty use of both with this erratic hot/humid and wet Toronto Summer.

The Accord Touring Hybrid sits a tad lower, but seating is comfortable. The Driver’s seat comes with 8-way power adjustment, including 2-way power lumbar support, while the front passenger’s seat has 4-way power adjustment. We appreciate its dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system because while we love it cool and breezy, our passengers don’t always feel the same. Getting into the car is easy with proximity key entry, and walking away is easy as well with a walk-away door lock. We did report some issues opening the trunk altogether during our test drive, but the Accord Touring Hybrid does feature assisted opening trunk.

The Accord Touring Hybrid has the largest display of all in the series – a gorgeous 12.3-inch colour touchscreen display. For you Audiophiles, you are gifted a BOSE® Premium Sound System with 12 speakers, with the most options in connectivity yet: Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In and HondaLink. We can never have enough charging options and here we get a wireless charger in the front, plus a front USB charging port with data connectivity, a rear USB charging port and Wi-Fi tethering.

We depend a lot on that multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines as we do drive downtown, parallel park and park in underground lots often. The Accord Touring Hybrid‘s camera has a fisheye-like view which gives you even more visibility than ever.

We also have nothing by praise for the ease of navigating with the MAPS option on the menu. Simply input your destination and START! No more struggling to glance over at your phone screen to see where you’re going.

If you live in Toronto, you’ve probably noticed an increasing focus on speed limit enforcement around schools. The Accord Touring Hybrid with its traffic sign recognition feature, has been updated to display a school zone icon to alert you, which is super-handy not only to keep the kids safe, but also because fines have increased. This is telling of Honda‘s commitment to looking after its Drivers and their interests. We did also notice some speed limit discrepancies between the display and actual road signage on occasion as well, so this might be something still to iron-out.

I appreciate the Maintenance Minder, a big selling feature for me and also the Accord Touring Hybrid‘s P235/40 R19 96V All-Season Tires and 19″ aluminum-alloy wheels. It also comes ready with a Tire Repair Kit. Anyone who’s ever experienced a flat knows the value of this.

Did you know the Honda Accord once again has been awarded Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI)? You’ll see exactly why in 2024 the Accord received this a fourth time.

For Active Safety and Driver Assisted technologies, you get 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Auto high beam headlights; Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Hill Start Assist; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS); Blind Spot Information (BSI) system; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control; and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system.

Passive Safety features in the Accord Touring Hybrid include: 3-point front seat belts with automatic tensioning system; Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; Childproof rear door locks; Front knee airbags (SRS); Rear side airbags; HondaLink™ Assist Automatic Emergency Response System; Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; SmartVent™ side airbags; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

In today’s climate, every ounce of assurance helps. The Accord Touring Hybrid is protected by an Immobilizer theft-deterrent system (Stolen Vehicle Locator/Remote Immobilizer) and also Find My Car/Vehicle Locator.

The 2024 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid nails all the marks for us, other than a couple very minor glitches, and still is the car for us! It starts at $46,961.50 CAN. More here.

Join us on our adventures in the 2024 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING spins a web on its competition, climbing to the top of the Box Office in its debut for Sony Pictures. It earns $119 million from 4,348 theatres and gets a 95% on the Tomatometer, plus a fantastic A CinemaScore. The franchise’s record still belongs to Spider-Man 3 (2007) which opened with $151 million.

In second is DESPICABLE ME 3 with $37.4 million from 4,535 theatres in its second week out for Universal Pictures. Thus far it has grossed a healthy $152.5 million domestically.

BABY DRIVER continues to be bankable for Sony Pictures with $12.5 million from 3,226 theatres in its second week out, a total $56 million over two weeks.

In fourth is the v. lasting WONDER WOMAN with $10.6 million for Warner Bros. from 3,091 theatres in its sixth week. Thus far it has earned $369 million in North America and looks like it’ll be around for a bit longer in the Top Ten.

In fifth is CARS 3 for Disney with $6.2 million, a total $134 million tally over four weeks.

THE BIG SICK expands to 326 theatres this weekend in earns an impressive $3.2 million for Elevation Pictures/Lionsgate Films. Over three weeks, the semi-autobiographical Rom-Com has made $6.4 million already in limited release. Critics have given it 97% on the Tomatometer.

THE BEGUILED rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.4 million from 941 theatres for Universal Pictures/Focus Features in its third week out, a total $7.4 million over three weeks.

Taking the top of the Box Office is TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT with a $40.1 million opening from 4,069 theatres across North America for Paramount Pictures. Best opening for the Franchise goes to 2009’s TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN with $108 million.  This latest installment gets 16% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

In second is WONDER WOMAN with $26 million in its fourth week out in 3,933 theatres, a total $319 million thus far.

In third is last week’s champ, CARS 3 with $25 million, a tally of $100 million in its run domestically over two weeks.

47 METERS DOWN is in fourth with $6.9 million for Entertainment Studios/VVS Films, a total of $23.7 million.

ALL EYEZ ON ME is fifth this weekend for Lionsgate Films/VVS Films with $5.8 million, a two week total of $38.7 million over two weeks.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, VOL. 2 rounds-out the Top Ten for Marvel/Disney with $3 million, a total $380 million over eight weeks.

CARS 3 accelerates to the top of the Box Office in North American this weekend for Pixar/Disney with a $51.5 million opening from 4,256 theatres. This ranks this installment third overall for highest opening in the Franchise, behind 2011’s CARS 2 which opened with $66 million. It gets a passing 65% on the Tomatometer from Critics and an A CinemaScore from Audiences.

After two weeks on-top, WONDER WOMAN slips to second spot for Warner Bros. with $37.5 million from 4,018 theatres. Thus far it has grossed $271 million domestically.

In third in its debut is Tupac Shakur Biopic ALL EYEZ ON ME from Lionsgate Films/VVS Films, with an impressive $33.5 million. Critics gave it 24% on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore which might help boost word of mouth.

THE MUMMY is in fourth in its second week out with $13.2 million for Universal Pictures, a total $55 million earned thus far.

In fifth is 47 METERS DOWN with $10.6 million for Entertainment Studios, starring Matthew Modine, Claire Holt and Mandy Moore. It gets 55% on the Tomatometer and a C CinemaScore.

ROUGH NIGHT opens in sixth with $8.9 million for Sony Pictures from 3,162 theatres and the Scarlett Johansson-starring comedy gets 52% on the Tomatometer and a C+ CinemaScore.

MEGAN LEAVEY rounds-out the Top Ten for Bleecker Street/Elevation Pictures with $2.4 million, a total $8.3 million in two weeks.

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

And one studio to rule them all. Disney-Pixar, Disney Animation Studios, Disney Live-Action, Marvel and Lucasfilms all call the ‘House of Mouse’ home and that means bigger and better Movies for fans. Whether you’re a fan of Sci-Fi or Comic Book Movies or good old animation, Disney has you covered in 2017.

First out of the gate before the New Year is the hotly anticipated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Opening on December 18th, the first stand-alone Star Wars Movie ells the story of how the Rebellion obtained the plans to the Death Star.

This tale as old as time is based on an Animated Movie as old as 1991. On March 17th prepare to be transported to an enchanted castle where the furniture sings and dishes dance. The brand new trailer that just dropped today will have fans counting down the day until the new live-action Beauty and the Beast finally opens. The Beast’s voice sounds so much like the original animated one you’ll need to watch the Trailer multiple times to make sure it’s really Dan Stevens talking to Emma Watson’s Belle.

Our next Movie features an all-star cast, an awesome soundtrack, and an adorable sapling named Groot. This May 5th strap in as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 finds our heroes trying to track down the truth behind Star Lord’s mysterious father and getting up to plenty of trouble along the way.

Nobody does Disney adventure like Captain Jack Sparrow. On May 26 visit with the Captain and his crew as they take on professional villain Javier Bardem in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Since we’re talking sequels you’d better fasten your seat belts for Pixar’s Cars 3 which will open on June 16th. Lightning McQueen is back in an all new adventure that children are sure to enjoy.

If you missed the long-haired Norse god when his friends were busy having an all-out civil war, then you will definitely be excited for Thor: Ragnarök when it opens on November 3rd. Featuring Thor, Hulk, Loki and even Doctor Strange the latest addition to the MCU is a must-see movie for Marvel fans everywhere.

On November 22nd Pixar returns to the multiplex with an original story called Coco. Not much is known about this Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina-directed Feature except for this single drawing. That said, it’s Pixar on the American Thanksgiving long weekend so it’s bound to be amazing.

The year wraps up with a Movie that doesn’t even have an official title yet: Star Wars VIII. The Rian Johnson-directed Film is still filming but is due in theatres on December 15th. Details about the plot are a closely held secret but we here at MrWillWong.com can exclusively tell you that…

In the meantime, enjoy this brand new Trailer for Beauty and the Beast!

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

What a week! We don’t know who decided to plan Pride, Canada Day weekend and the Queen’s Plate all together at once, but this was that year. We could not have made it without the Ford Fiesta!

Okay, being the bit of a diva we are, we admit that out of a great lineage of vehicles from the beloved automaker, this wasn’t initially the one that excited us most, but tell us how time and again were floored by its exceptional value!?!

Compact in size and big on practicality, we had the privilege of driving the Fiesta, souped-up in its Titanium edition. We’re talking bucket leather seats, adjustable six different ways. Its heated option would be amazing in the winter although we were trying to cool ourselves down if anything in this blistering holiday heat!  We enjoyed our sky-lit drives with its tinted moonroof, suggesting all the way that this car is giving us more than its actual market value.

Thrilled the #FordFiesta is my official vehicle for #QP16 and #CanadaDay long weekend! Patriotic red ‘eh? @fordcanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 28, 2016 at 4:07pm PDT

We loved the Sony audio system it came equipped with, with the option of our fave SIRIUS XM. We love Hits 1 and we don’t care that the songs repeat every ten minutes! What truly makes the Ford Fiesta a standout among its peers is that it is forward-thinking enough to let you connect your Smartphone via Bluetooth and play your favourites from the Spotify app! It comes with two USB ports as we are obsessed with having a charged phone always.

Perfect for any holiday really we got a kick out of adjustable ambient lighting. Red for Canada Day, pink for Pride, green for Christmas??!? 

Happy #PrideTO from the #FordFiesta! Can your ride do this?! @fordcanada

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 30, 2016 at 7:35pm PDT

Our only issue with this Hatchback edition is that perhaps its trunk wasn’t quite roomy enough for multiple suitcases and travel bags.

Otherwise, operation is a breeze with keyless entry, capless fuel tank and that rear-view camera which makes parallel parking and reversing a cinch. We can’t live without it!  Really.

The Ford Fiesta is a smooth drive and how we know is this:

Another thing about the #FordFiesta… (@fordcanada)

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 30, 2016 at 4:37am PDT

Our favourite feature? The Fiesta has brilliant fuel efficiency. We logged-in three days of travel and not even a click on the fuel meter! Finally after about five days of long distance driving, we fueled up a half-tank on $26 CAN.

What I love most about the #FordFiesta (@fordcanada)

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 30, 2016 at 4:35am PDT

You can own a Ford Fiesta Hatchback starting at $15,365.  Learn more about it here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s sleek. It’s sexy. It glides smooth like silk. The 2016 Acura ILX certainly is a highlight among the many cars I’ve test-driven in recent years. It is one of those rare instances where performance meets style meets value and to be honest, I could see myself driving a beauty like this in the long-term.

With its 2.4-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection DOHC, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, the ILX operates at 201 hp @ 6800 rpm and torque at 180 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm.  In terms of fuel efficiency, it uses 9.4/6.8/8.2 litres/100 km. Three days of city and highway driving used approximately $25.00 CAN.

Although it sits lower than what we’re used to, it didn’t take long to get acclimated and its seats are highly adjustable, although keeping the speedometer behind the steering wheel in line of sight while requires a fine balance between sitting in comfort and safety.

Let’s talk the fun stuff. I love the tinted moonroof which brightens, while glare-conscious. The touch screen entertainment system was superb with an option for Sirius XM. What I love is that there is a rewind option if you need to listen to something again. The ILX comes with six speakers. Connecting to Bluetooth and audio content on my Android still remains a bit of a challenge. Stay connected and charged also with a USB port under the arm rest.

Adventures through The 6ix with the #AcuraILX! (@acuracanada)

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 24, 2016 at 8:52pm PDT

One of my favourite features of the #AcuraILX. (@AcuraCanada)

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 27, 2016 at 8:07am PDT

Air conditioning operates powerfully with passenger vents in the roomy back and front.

The 2016 Acura ILX starts at just $31,800. More here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Fans of Disney‘s CARS will enjoy upcoming Spin-Off PLANES.  A brand-new Sneak Peek has just been released in what surely is looking to be a Box Office Smash! 

The  3-D Animated Feature centers around Dusty (Dane Cook), a Plane with dreams of being a high-flying Racer.  One problem thought – he’s afraid of  heights and physically he’s not really built for speed. That is, until he gets the help of a seasoned Naval Aviator.

PLANES also features the Voices of Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Cedric the Entertainer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, John Cleese, Carlos Alazraqui, Priyanka Chopra, Gabriel Iglesias, Roger Craig Smith, Colin Cowherd, Sinbad, Oliver Kalkofe, Brent Musburger, Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer.

Watch the Sneak Peek below:

Disney releases PLANES on Friday, August 9, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Following the massive success of their Cars Franchise, Disney is ready to take flight with what looks to be yet another Box Office smash in Planes. Although Funnyman Dane Cook has been quiet of late, his Star is definitely is on the up again, both being tapped to voice the Lead Character in Planes, Dusty, and also a new Television Project in development with NBC and Universal Television.  To date, Cars and Cars 2 ccombined have grossed over $1 billion worldwide in ticket sales.

Directed by Klay Hall (King of the Hill, The Simpsons), Planes is set to land in theatres on August 9, 2013.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)