This tiff, we had the pleasure of being partnered with the 2026 Acura ADX PLATINUM ELITE A-SPEC, a subcompact luxury SUV powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, operating at 190 horsepower. The 4WD feels like sheer power and muscle, while looking both sporty and elevated, available in an eye-catching Double Apex Blue Pearl II.

You get a total five driving modes here: NORMAL, SNOW, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL. This is an SUV for Canadians, as it’s ready for all conditions. It begins with a push-button start.

Not only this, it is loaded with safety features, led by the AcuraWatch safety suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a multi-view camera system. It also is equipped with eight airbags with its Advanced Airbag System (SRS). In the event of a close call, thankfully, you are protected with a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) as well. Entry and exit are easy with Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock.

The Acura ADX not only is extremely spacious, seating is cozy, coming with heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette or microsuede-trimmed options. Our vehicle contained the letter. Power controls in the Driver’s Seat made it easy to recline the chair back when we needed a quick recharge nap, because those star-studded tiff days are extremely long.

And did we mention the abundance of cargo space in the back for your shopping hauls? We literally stored our entire tiff wardrobe for ease out outfit changes as we hopped from press screenings, to red carpets and parties, to just casual outfits when we needed to be comfortable.

You get a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen, making for easy navigation at the touch of your fingertips. This to me is a huge advancement over previous offerings in the Acura family which went by a touchpad-like navigation system. This advancement helps place focus back on the road.

The drives are an absolute vibe here with ambient lighting in the SUV, plus a panoramic moonroof. It comes also with a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 15 speakers. We were floored by this, and it also having HD Radio, making radio static a thing of the past. We are please also with the many USB-C ports for our passengers, and wireless charging as well. Now if we were to critique one thing, it would be the placement of the drink holders, which we found cumbersome – though perhaps it’s just a learning curve.

In terms of fuel economy, you actually get great value here for an SUV: 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.7 L/100 km on the highway, and 8.5 L/100 km combined.

This Acura ADX Platinum Elite A-SPEC is perfect for you if you want size, utility and power, without ever sacrificing style.

The 2026 Acura ADX begins at $49,827 CAN. More here.

Come relive our thrilling tiff ’26 adventures in the 2026 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A-SPEC. You won’t want to miss this!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s our time! We’re thrilled to ring-in the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, by introducing you to our official supporting partners for this year, the 51st edition of the Festival, running September 10 to 20, 2026! We absolutely live for this, the world’s greatest Film Festival and our team can’t wait to share with you our reviews, our sightings, our thoughts and exciting giveaways!

For now, see our esteemed Team weigh-in on their most notable films of the Festival here:

Reviews and sightings to be updated daily here. Please bookmark and check often!

On that note, we’re thrilled to name our generous official partners for the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival! We couldn’t do it without their generosity and support.

CP24 – This is our 17th year contributing to CP24‘s ongoing tiff coverage. Throughout the Festival, you will be seeing our candid captures of stars out in the wild, and we will be highlighting for you the best spots to see the stars and the Films you need to be paying attention to at the Festival. Stay tuned! We will be on for sure September 9th (in the PM) and 10th (in the AM) to start.

SoHo Hotel Toronto – There is so much history at this Hotel and Residence, situated right in the thick of all the tiff excitement, between Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the bustle of King Street. Since opening in 2003, many A-Listers have chosen this quietly luxurious establishment as their place to stay including the likes of Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Deepika Padukone, Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, Will Smith and several more. And did we mention that red-hot Hudson Williams even filmed scenes in Heated Rivalry here? 23 years of star-studded history. beanie and I look forward to our stay, enjoying the amenities including Moretti Caffe and Pizzeria Moretti, bringing you or daily updates from our luxurious suite.

ACURA Canada – Our ride of choice for tiff will be the 2026 ADX Platinum Elite A-Spec, a top-tier, luxury-packed trim from Acura’s subcompact SUV lineup, operating at 190 horsepower, a 360 camera system, Bang & Olufsen sound system, moonroof and several luxurious flourishes. We’re thrilled to see where it takes us!

SHEIN Canada – We get so many compliments about our styling and we thank SHEIN Canada for that. Their fun, versatile, comfortable selection are highlighted by value and affordability, but most of all comfort. When we feel comfortable, we feel our most confident. We can’t wait to show you our tiff looks!

Starbucks Canada – Our favourite coffee always and preferred way to stay alert during these long Festival days. Did you know PSL Season is officially here? New this year are offerings like  Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha, Pumpkin Spice Chai, Banana Bread Latte,  Iced Banana Bread Chai, and Iced Chaider. And let’s not forget those irresistible new Canadian-made Mini Pumpkin, Pecan and Apple Crumble pies! 

RILEYS & BLACK + BLUE: Located right in the heart of Entertainment District, these sister restaurants hailing from Vancouver, have made a huge splash in Toronto. Offering a consistent and elevated experience, these steakhouses offer a refinement, accessibility and sophistication. Black + Blue not only serves phenomenal steaks, their sushi and Beef Wellington are superb. Rileys offers also excellent seafood and unique tableside experiences (Martinis, anyone?) as well. Rileys currently has a Pre-Theatre three-course $65 menu, perfect for tiff, and both offer Happy Hours as well.

PAI & KIIN: Toronto’s premier quintessential Thai restaurants are a perfect option to dine at during tiff and are almost guaranteed to be bustling! It’s little wonder why stars like Oscar Isaac, Dominic Monaghan, Guillermo del Toro, and essentially any major actor or athlete passing through, frequent them. And even more impressively, both under Chef Nuit Regular’s vision, have achieved Michelin recognitions. PAI is offering a free bag of their Tom Yum Popcorn for those who show their same-day tiff ticket – one bag per table – and KIIN is offering a $99 three-course prix fixe with a glass of Prosecco!

HELLO NORI: Fast, efficient and satisfying, Hello Nori‘s four-to-six hand roll sets are the easiest and quickest lunch, made fresh before your eyes. Its location on York Street is walking distance from all the tiff excitement, and there also is location to serve you at King x Bathurst, with a location in Yorkville coming soon! Toronto is loving this sensation from Vancouver! During tiff, they will have a $55 six-course prix fixe menu! For now, you can get a $10 Gift Card right here to enjoy Hello Nori! Here for more.

MINAMI: Situated right between Princess of Wales Theatre and Roy Thomson Hall, we don’t deserve the convenience of this elevated Japanese establishment, which will be hosting the VISA Infinite Studio during tiff, and offering special curated dishes Wagyu x Tartare and Aosa Lobster Tempura and special cocktails during the Festival.

RADICI PROJECT: Known for their Italian-Japanese seasonal immersive tasting menus, this beautiful and intimate establishment in Little Italy celebrates each occasion and season with honour and beauty.

LAI WAH HEEN: This institution located inside DoubleTree by Hilton has been a force since 1995, known for their luxury Cantonese cuisine. After extensive renovations and a relaunch, they are entering a new era under Chef Heyden Sin, with a re-imagine Cocktail program by Oliver Leung. In celebration of tiff, they’ve introduced an auspicious and sumptuous $8888 Roasted Goose Dish called The Treasure of Fortune, which has gone viral!

ZOVEL SPA – Inspired by nature, perfected by artistry. Where time-honored Eastern rituals and advanced skincare innovation create harmony, radiance, and renewal. They offer the very best, including offers medical-grade SkinCeuticals Treatments. We look forward to a fresh face!

Check-out our Top Five spots to eat at in the heart of the tiff bustle!

Throughout tiff, we will be giving away gift cards to dine with our amazing partners, with seven days of giveaways to come on our IG and Facebook:

Giveaway Schedule:

RILEYS x BLACK + BLUE $200 Gift Card – September 10, 2026

MINAMI $100 Gift Card – September 11, 2026

STARBUCKS CANADA $25 Gift Card – September 12, 2026

PAI $100 Gift Card – September 12, 2026

KIIN$100 Gift Card – September 13, 2026

HELLO NORI $100 Gift Card – September 14, 2026

LAI WAH HEEN $100 Gift Card – September 15, 2026

RADICI PROJECT $100 Gift Card – September 16, 2026

You must be following to qualify. Stay tuned for the official contest posts!

Happy tiff! We can’t wait to see what the Festival brings us!

Thank you for all your continued support and loyalty!

Mr. Will

The Acura Integra is officially back! After reigning as the “it” car in the mid-’90s, it is making a huge comeback and trust me, this is not your mom and dad’s Integra. This compact liftback is sleek, technology-driven and modernized, exuding an irresistible appeal. There is no denying the 2025 Acura Integra Elite A-SPEC is a beauty!

We had the opportunity to test drive this front-wheel drive beauty recently, possessing a 16-valve, DOHC, VTEC^®,1.5-litre inline 4-cylinder with Turbocharger, with direct injection engine and operating at 200 horsepower @ 6000 rpm. This is a force to be reckoned with and does it with great fuel efficiency on premium unleaded fuel at 8.1/6.5/7.4 litres/100 km. Our ride was a classic Liquid Carbon Metallic, and you get four modes for your needs: Comfort / Normal / Sport / Individual.

The Acura Integra Elite A-SPEC offers refinement. Its gorgeous red leatherette seats with microsuede inserts (front), leatherette (2nd row) drew us in right away, and we were sold on features like its ELS Studio® 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers including subwoofer. The Driver gets 12-way power adjustment including 4-way power lumbar support, passengers get 4-way power adjustment. Seats also have warming options, which we actually needed as it has been an unseasonably-cool May. Steering wheel also is heated, leather-wrapped, with a sophisticated A-SPEC™ design and mounted controls.

A 9-inch touchscreen display is simply gorgeous making it easy for us to navigate Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™, HD Radio™, SiriusXM™, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Amazon Alexa Built-in, and more. Its 10.2″ meter display also looks phenomenal as well for ease of reading. While the weather hasn’t been great in Toronto of late, finally by the end of the test drive we got to use its ambient moonroof for a sunny drive. Not to say, the car isn’t beautiful in the dark also, with its tasteful white ambient lights.

The Integra Elite A-SPEC includes a wireless phone charger (Qi-compatible), an abundance of USB charging options, plus a 12-volt power outlet making it effortless to stay connected.

It’s all in the details with the Integra Elite A-SPEC, boasting bold additions like Jewel Eye® LED headlights Chicane™, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED fog lights LED headlights with auto-on/off LED front turn signal indicators, Chicane™ LED taillights Integrated turn signal indicators, reverse auto tilt-down LED brake lights.

ACURA renew their focus on drive and passenger safety with an abundance of features here to protect them: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) With Low-Speed Follow, Auto high beam headlights, Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Actual physical safety features include: Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Advanced front airbags (SRS), Front side airbags, Front knee airbags, Rear outboard passenger’s side airbags, Side curtain airbags, Rear seat reminder, Seat belt reminder for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), Childproof rear door locks, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control, Immobilizer theft-deterrent system, and a built-in security system.

The Driver also benefits from various technologies that make the daily drive that much more convenient, including: multi-angle rearview camera* with dynamic guidelines, parking sensors, head-up display, rear window defroster, rain-sensing wipers, driver attention monitor (aka time for a coffee!), hill start assist, and more. Truly a car that works for you no matter the season.

And don’t be deceived by how compact and sleek this liftback appears! Its deep trunk has plenty of storage space with some thoughtful divisions to keep your cargo safe and secure.

This is a fuss-free, perfect ride for everyday life. A pure joy.

Some highlights from our Test Drive:

The 2025 Acura Integra Elite A-SPEC begins at $49,101 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

I’ll admit it. I’ve been slow to embrace electric vehicles, because the unknown is always scary. After getting a chance to test drive the 2024 ACURA ZDX TYPE S in a striking Double Apex Blue Pearl, the dial has definitely been moved for me in understanding the technology and accepting it. The advantages obviously are the environmental impacts and cost savings, and above this the SUV is constructed like a powerful machine.

The main disadvantage is the lack of charging stations available and the time required to charge the SUV. This is however, simply a growing pain as electical vehicles become increasingly popular, and we should start seeing an increase in access to these stations. I mean, who wouldn’t just want to fill their car with fuel and be on with their day, instead of allotting time in the day to sit at a charging station for what could be hours?

My week was filled wth engagements. Spring time means event season and tons of premieres, events and launches took place around the City. We were so grateful for the luxury of this magnificent ride getting us to and from so safely and efficiently.

Let’s highlight the essentials for you with the sizy 2024 ACURA ZDX TYPE S. It operates at an incredible 499 horsepower with AWD and feels it every bit of the way. It also has102 Battery Capacity (kWh), and also a comprehensive 8 year battery warranty. Owners also benefit from perks of the ACURA MAINTENANCE PROGRAM. The ZDX comes with four driving options: Snow / Normal / Sport / Individual Drive Modes, tailored for Canadian driving, plus a very responsive Brembo® Front 6-Piston Braking System.

In terms of charging specifics, which is something new to consider for me, here are some numbers, which of course vary depending on the charging station type:

•29.4 240-Volt AC Charge Time – Level 2 (Miles Per Hour of charging)
•72 DC Fast Charger (Miles in 10 mins of charging)
•42 DC DC Fast Charge Time (20% to 80% state of charge, mins)

Everything about the ZDX Type S is elevated. We were so impressed that it came with a Premium BANG & OLUFSEN® Sound System with count ’em, 18 speakers! It’s ready for SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, comes with a unique standup Wireless Phone Charger, positioned beside the cupholders (be careful not to put objects in there!), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, USB Audio Interface with Charging Port, USB Audio Interface with Charging Port, Front Console (2 port), USB-C Charging Port – Rear (2 port), Front Console with 11-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, plus an amazing 11.3-inch Color Touchscreen Display with Volume Knob, mixing a bit of new school and old school. And yes, it’s Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ ready as well.

The Driver gets lots to work with including Front 16-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support, Thigh Extension and Side Bolsters (!), Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed with Embossed Type S Logo Heated Front Seats, Ventilated Front Seats, Driver Seat Memory (2 Positions), Heated Rear Seats (Outboard Positions), Front Passenger Seat Memory (2 Positions).

The SUV exemplifies a true concern for the comfort of the Passenger, not just the Driver. This is extended also to Climate Control where its Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration make drives that little bit more pleasant. Those in the back also get a Rear HVAC Control Panel because we all have different preferences for temperature.

We got several looks from onlookers when pulling up this past week, and these were looks of admiration! We can’t blame them. The ZDX Type S is flashy, with its oversized Panoramic Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function, Power Lift Tailgate with Hands Free Access, Jewel Eye® LED Headlights, Chicane™ Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Chicane™ LED Taillights. And how about its 22 x 9.5 Berlina Black w/Machined Face Aluminum-Alloy Wheels? You’re encourage to dream big and drive big here!

Adding to the aesthetics are an illuminated Seamless Pentagon Grille, Gloss Black Roof, Roof Rails, Rear Privacy Glass (our dear beanie appreciates her discretion!). We felt like Batman arrving at our destinations in Ambient LED Cabin Lighting, and the SUV broadcasting around it with light projections that this masterpiece was made by Acura!

The SUV‘s rear and front cameras are incredibly sophisticated, giving you an overhead view as you are backing out or in close proximity of pedestrians, just for added visibility. And we cannot deny that Rear Seat Reminders are so helpful when you have things in the backseat. Milk will never get spoiled again because you forgot it in the car!

I will say that I did wish the ZDX Type S came with Proximity Entry. I am exactly that person who fumbles for their keys and gets flustered trying to find the button on the remote key with full hands. Having this would have taken the experience up another notch.

As the SUV is quite wide, parking in those tight spots downtown or at the mall can be a little more challenging. It benefits from Side Mirrors with power Power-Folding, Reverse Gear Tilt-Down, and a huge benefit is its LED Side Mirror-integrated Directional Signals which ensure you’re very aware of blind spots and movement happening in them.

Let’s talk safety. And there is no shortage of features which protect Driver and Passenger, including: Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist,
Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Reverse Automatic Braking, Side Blind Zone Alert,
Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Auto High-Beam, AcuraWatch™ 360+, Parking Sensors (4 Front & 4 Rear), and Blind Zone Steering Assist.

In terms of passive safety features, the ZDX Type S comes with: Dual-Stage Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS), Front Side Airbags Side Curtain Airbags, Front Knee Airbags, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Child Seat (LATCH), 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist (!) and Location and Pressure Indicators , Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer, and Self-Sealing Tires. The latter automatically seals punctures in the tread up to 5mm in diameter. Now that’s technology! And we’d expect no less of Acura.

Highlights from our Test Drive:

The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S starts at $87,216. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

A luxury Sedan for the ages! We were thrilled to test drive the 2025 Acura TLX A-SPEC for the Holidays. In a timeless Liquid Carbon Metallic, with a festive red and black interior trimming, we couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to ring-in the new year!

What makes an A-SPEC package so unique, you ask? This means more aggressively sculpted body panels and larger wheels, with driver-focused paddle shifters.

Running on Premium Unleaded fuel with a capless system, the TLX A-SPEC is powered by a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, VTEC® turbocharged 4-cylinder enging, operating at 272 horsepower with an idle stop option. Its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ is native to the Acura family of vehicles.

In terms of Fuel Economy, you get 11.3/8.1/9.8 L/100 km. Yes, you spending and filling a bit more, but you are getting MORE.

Everything about the TLX A-SPEC suggests sophistication and luxury. Driver and the Front Passenger benefit from heated/cooling seats, and let me tell you there were a few frosty days during the holidays where we were begging for that heated steering wheel – and it was conveniently mounted on the steering wheel too!  

The Driver’s seat has 12-way power adjustment, while front passenger gets 4-way. We couldn’t wait till it got dark sometimes to appreciate Acura‘s Iconic Drive™ ambient LED cabin lighting, complete with a whopping 27 themes! The power moonroof with slide and tilt, punctuates the ambience. And those red and black seats came perforated, made of Milano Premium Leather and Ultrasuede®. Gorgeous.

The TLX A-SPEC is very focussed improving the driving experience, making the Driver and Passenger more at home than ever.  It comes with a 12.3″ HD digital instrument cluster, and also a 12.3″ HD dual-content centre display.  I’ll be honest though that I do wish the display was touchscreen, which would make it much easier to navigate using handwriting with my finger on the touchpad or attempting voice commands, which weren’t functional during the drive.  There were also periods where Google Maps went completely blank on the screen and I couldn’t get it back without turning the car completely off for a duration. Syncing with Android Auto™ however, was a breeze though and once I got the hang how to navigate Google Maps and Spotify through it, we were good!

We are a huge fan of the TLX A-SPEC‘s dual-zone automatic climate control, as everyone has different body temperature preferences and enjoy its keyless access system and walk-away door lock. Parking and reversing are rather easy with its Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, plus a surround-view camera system. A rear seat reminder keeps us mindful of loved ones in the back or things we might have left behind.

Now for the fun stuff! We love that the TLX A-SPEC has a generous amount of charging ports – front and rear – but best of all, it has a wireless charging pad.  Our one critique though, is we prefer to have our phone within eyeshot and here it is positioned at a bit of a reach.

The TLX A-SPEC comes with an ELS Studio 3D® Premium Audio System Speakers, compatible with Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, as we mentioned. And you know how much we adore SiriusXM™. It’s there and ready for you if you need it!

Other nice-to-haves here included perimeter/approach puddle lights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. We certainly saw enough rain this Holiday to make use of it! It also has integrated turn indicators, plus Jewel Eye™ headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights – all of which are LED.

We really appreciated the TLX A-Spec‘s hyper-awareness of surroundings. Perhaps even when it didn’t need to be alarming me, it was very proactively doing so. Among its safety features are: 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®)* with pedestrian detection, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, Hill Start Assist, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with location and pressure indicators, Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system, Traffic Jam Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). With traffic fines increasing and being tracked more aggressively around the City, this is a good friend to have.

Lastly, we drive assured knowing Acura has us covered with Advanced front airbags (SRS), Front side airbags, Front knee airbags, Side curtain airbags, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control. The latter was hard at work as we navigated some low visibility driving conditions on wet roads on a couple long-distance treks to the border and also beautiful Elora.

Highlights from our festive Holiday Test Drive in the 2025 Acura TLX A-SPEC.

 

 

 

 

 

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More here on the 2025 Acura TLX A-SPEC.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It was an unforgettable Holiday and while we look forward to welcoming a new year in, we had to send off 2023 properly. This Holiday we got to test drive the 2023 Acura RDX Platinum Elite. The gorgeous SUV retailing at $63,329 CAN is a perfect balance of class, style and purpose. Our vehicle came in a timeless Liquid Carbon Metallic. Time and again, our passengers would come in, plop themselves into the passenger’s seat, making bold statements how the RDX Platinum Elite A-SPEC was well above its actual retail value. My brother, a self-professed Auto Expert, guessed, “This has gotta be worth minimum six figures!”. Let them think what they will!

It was a year of highs and lows and we find ourselves feeling most introspective at this time of year. The RDX Platinum Elite A-SPEC was ready to take on whatever unpredictable conditions the weather was ready to throw its way as we cleared our thoughts reflecting on the happy and the sad. We saw what seemed like endless rain and clouds to snow during our test drive and the SUV was equally adept and unwavering every time no matter what. Acura continues to wow us with their recent generation of offerings and we equally were impressed by this experience.

The RDX Platinum Elite A-SPEC is powered by a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, VTEC® turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, running at 272 horsepower. It boasts Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ and bottom line is we never felt short of power, the SUV raring to go quickly after every step of the brakes! Though the Idle Stop feature always has taken a bit of getting used to, more so than before this time it felt seamless.

Right off the bat, we noticed how incredibly fuel-efficient the RDX is. We counted exactly four days of driving to and from the City, plus a trek to Buffalo from Toronto before we had to fuel-up. It runs on a recommendation of Premium fuel. You get lots of value and run for your money.

Your daily drives are enhanced by its ELS Studio^® 3D Premium Audio System with AM/FM/MP3/Windows Media® audio playback capability and a whopping 16 speakers! Connecting our phone via Bluetooth was was a breeze, enabling us to stay on-top of incoming texts and calls, while enjoying our custom Holiday playlist. Having SiriusXM always is a blessing and we can’t imagine morning drives without SiriusXM Hits 1! The RDX is stacked with charging options including wireless charging and an abundance of USB ports for you and your passengers, front and back.

Safety matters most to us and the RDX has a way of being tirelessly-focussed on both active and passive safety, without being overbearing about it. We can’t count how many test drives we’ve been on where the car is beeping at us endlessly when all we’re trying to do is reverse out of a parking spot. The RDX does the same without being over-aggressive about it.

In terms of passive safety, you get dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS); Front knee airbags; Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; and SmartVent™ front side airbags. We see Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure offered more and more frequently on sister company Honda‘s vehicles and we get it here too. And we always get a rear seat reminder telling us not to forget sweet beanie in her PetSafe Booster Seat (sold independently). Did we mention its Immobilizer theft-deterrent system?

Speaking to active safety, the RDX gives us 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Front and rear low-speed Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB); Hill Start Assist; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with location and pressure indicators; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow; Blind Spot Information (BSI) system with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system; Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); and Traffic sign recognition even, which we confirmed worked just as well in the U.S. as in Canada.

Above this, parking and reversing are effortless with its multi-angle rear-view camera and surround view camera system. You get Keyless Entry, remote engine start and also the amazing walk-away lock which wastes no time securing your vehicle the moment you step away. Literally, this is the world we live in today where you’d actually need this.

The RDX is elegance and Acura gets all the details right. Interior accent lighting is elegance understated. Everything is at the touch of your fingertip and at the center of it all is its 10.2″ HD colour centre display with True Touchpad Interface. It comes ready with Acura’s Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and Alexa is built-in already. Driver and passenger (the ones in the back too!) each get to customize their experience with dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system, plus seat warmers and coolers. An SUV for all seasons.

The Driver and front passenger get 16-way power adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seat, including lumbar support, thigh extension, and side bolster. The equality and love for all who choose Acura, is unparalleled. The RDX Platinum Elite A-SPEC is striking, coming with Ultrasuede™ & Leather-trimmed seating surfaces. Both front seats are programmable by memory system. Other aesthetic enhancements include metal sport pedals and a stunning moonroof.

We’re already thrilled to see what possibly Acura could do to make the 2024 rendition of the RDX even better than it already is!

A journey through our Holidays in the 2023 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-SPEC!

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe 2024. We look forward to making more memories together with you! May all your dreams come true.

Mr. Will

Every once in a while we get to test drive something so special that it changes the way you see the world. While I often aim for smaller Sedans for my city adventures and ease of parking, the 2024 Acura MDX Type S Ultra changed the game for me. In fact, it hands down has shot-up to #1 in my books out of all the Acura family of vehicles. My only regret is that this isn’t one I gave thought to sooner!

I’m usually fine with a low-key Birthday celebration, but this year I threw that out the window and extended festivities to a week-long thing. So fortunate to have had the Acura MDX Type S Ultra with me the whole way whether it was running errands or spending time with family and friends. Dare I say that it is that most “Honda-like” Acura I’ve ever test driven ever? It leans on some of the ingenuity of its sister company, while also firmly defiant in its own luxurious identity.

I had the honour of driving this beauty in a Majestic Black Pearl, which was perfect as it really made its gorgeous pink and purple ambient lighting really pop! Acura‘s IconicDrive feature lights-up 25 areas of the SUV, making drives so special for all lucky enough to sit in it. After experiencing this aesthetic, I will hold every other car I drive to this gold standard in terms of ambience.

This midsize luxury SUV is powered by 3.0-litre Direct Injection DOHC turbocharged V6 engine and running at 355 hp @ 5500. We had power to spare and were master of the road, in a way I’ve never quite felt before with any other vehicle ever before. Honest.

Allow us to indulge purely in the Acura MDX Type S Ultra‘s attention to the experiential for a moment because all the practical and technical stuff can be spoken to later. More is definitely more here with the potential to seat seven people over three rows. Even with the third row folded down, you still get a spacious cargo of 1107.2/1367.7 L. More than ever before, the Driver gets unparalleled control with a 16-way power adjustable Driver’s Seat. The Front Passenger’s Seat gets 4-way power lumbar support as well. Front row seats are leather-trimmed and quilted. And did we mention that the Driver gets a whopping three seat position memory options? We’ve only seen the standard two elsewhere!

I am still in awe of its Panoramic Moonroof, as were my passengers. It drew “wow!” reactions. We’ve only seen a moonroof this impressive and expansive in a Tesla. Its Audio system is a thing of marvel – an ELS Studio® Signature Edition Audio System with AM/FM/SiriusXM™/Windows Media® audio capability and get this, a mindblowing 25 speakers including subwoofer. This is an Audiophile and Music Lovers’ dream. Streaming was a seamless and easy experience with the MDX Type S Ultra being equipped for Wireless Apple CarPlay®/ Android Auto™, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, in addition to being HD Radio™ ready. All this at your fingertips as you navigate the SUV’s menu with a True Touchpad Interface console and its magical 12.3″ HD colour centre display. We admit that we prefer touchscreen still more than the Touchpad, but we’re getting the hang of it. We’re trying.

Did we mention the abudance of charging options? Each of the SUV’s three rows has ports tucked-in thoughtfully. We normally associate this level of love for the passenger with Honda, but Acura has arrived and we are so impressed.

Fuel Economy is something we are very conscious of. Drive assured knowing the Acura MDX Type S Ultra is exceedingly fuel-efficient for a ride of its caliber and power, at 13.8/11.2/12.4 L/100 km (city/highway/combined). Completely floored and pleasantly surprised we accomplished so much value without the signature “ECON” mode that Honda vehicles boast!

The Acura MDX Type S Ultra is sophistication personified with so many intuitive fixings that put it in a class above the rest: Auto-dimming rearview mirror; Digital instrument display; Steering Wheel-mounted controls; Keyless Access System; Walk-Away Door Lock (literally within seconds of us walking off, we appreciated the MDX locking itself); an HD Multi-angle rearview camera (yes, you even get an overhead view with its Surround View!) with guideline in HD; Traffic sign recognition; and Tri-zone front and rear synchronized automatic climate control! The latter is so thoughtful as everyone has different temperature preferences.

Now onto the technical safety pieces as promised. The Acura MDX Type S Ultra is packed with a next-level amount of care for its Driver and Passengers whether it be actively or passively: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist; Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Pedestrian Detection; Forward Collision Warning system; Lane Departure Warning system with steering wheel haptic feedback; Road Departure Mitigation system; Low-speed braking control Driver’s and passenger’s side knee airbag; Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; Side curtain airbags; Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control; Blind Spot Information system; Lane Keeping Assist System; Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system; and Traffic Jam Assist. We could feel the MDX working always, ensuring we stayed focussed and alert and this is the energy we need.

It was incredibly tough saying goodbye to the MDX at the end of our Test Drive as we felt such a strong connection to it and all the beautiful memories we made. We are longing for our next pairing!

More on the 2024 Acura MDX Type S Ultra here. It starts at $88,409 CAN.

Some memories we made with the 2024 Acura MDX Type S Ultra from high-profile tastings to star sightings and friend/family time!

Happy Halloween!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

One of the joys of the Film Festival is getting to drive a car from the Acura family. For TIFF ’23, we had the honour of being paired with the gorgeous 2023 Acura TLX TYPE S in a gorgeous Performance Red Pearl. We literally paint the town red! I was floored by its looks right away, with a flashy trunk spoiler and exposed dual-rectangle exhaust finishers. There also is a diamond pentagon grille which makes it stand out.

In what was a more low-key Festival this year with TIFF working around the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. we found we were still working the usual long hours and there was still plenty of talent in and around town to capture. In fact, we were out and about every single day of the Festival, whether it be doing press ahead of the Festival at CP24 or eTalk‘s TIFF Studio, right up to the announcement of the People’s Choice Winner on closing day. Even with limitations, we made the best of it all and couldn’t have done it without the Acura TLX Type S!

Because we had a downtown presence, a sleek, compact ride was necessary – weaving through narrow alleyways and underground parking lots. The 2023 Acura TLX Type S is as much style as it is performance, packed with gorgeous details. It is powered by a 3.0-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, turbocharged V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Its Fuel Economy tallies in at a combined city/highway 11 litres/100 km which actually took us a long way per tank of gas.

The Driver gets a 16-way power adjustable seat and front passenger’s seat include 4-way power lumbar support, seats in Ebony Leather with Ultrasuede. Drives, especially at night were ambient with Acura‘s IconicDrive™ Selectable LED Ambient Lighting allowing you to light-up up to ten different areas. Simply stunning.

Safety is a priority with Acura and this ride contains all the features to protect you including lane assist system, lane departure warning system, plus blind spot and forward collision warning systems as well. You also get ABS Brakes, Stability Control, Front-impact Airbags, Side-impact Airbags, Overheard Airbags, Knee Airbags, Pretensioners and Anti-Whiplash. As car theft is very much at the top of all our minds, the TLX is equipped with a way to anticipate and detecting unwanted vehicle intrusion. It is armed with an ignition disable device that prevents the engine from starting if the correct original key isn’t being used. We love that also within seconds, the car locks on its own after we walk away from it. Above this, it is hyper-sensitive and aware of your surroundings, especially when backing out of a spot – with the help of its rearview camera – giving you very prevalent audio warnings to keep you out of trouble.

While it takes a bit of getting used to in navigating the Acura TLX‘s touchpad which enables you to navigate the car’s setup, including audio entertainment. Bluetooth connectivity is simple to set-up and it is enabled for SiriusXM satellite radio, with a 10.2″ touchscreen display, plus an abundance of USB charging ports and a wireless charger.

The audio system is next-level, coming with an ELS Studio® 3D Premium Audio System, complete with a 17-speaker surround system, including 4 ultra-slim Highline™ overhead speakers. This is an audiophile’s dream.

Take a walk with us down memory lane as we painted the town red with the 2023 Acura TLX Type S.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S starts at $64,226.00 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

While we’re completely in support of Actors making their voices heard during this SAG-AFTRA strike, we can’t help but miss feeling some of the anticipation and electricity that we feel normally at this time of year. But does that mean we’re still going all out TIFF ’23? You bet!

The Team – Amanda Gilmore, David Baldwin, George Kozera, Justin Waldman and Nicholas Porteous are all thrilled for the Festival and if anything, the current state of things allow us to have an even deeper relationship with the films at the Festival, with less of the distractions we normally would have – especially in the earlier part of the Festival. Our Team share their Top Five picks at TIFF ’23 here with you in case you need ideas what to see.

We are so grateful to share our official partnerships for TIFF ’23:

CP24 – Southwestern Ontario’s choice for the latest breaking news, CP24 proudly boasts a viewrship of 3.7 million per week in the province. This marks my 14th year collaborating with them as a subject matter expert during the Festival. Can’t wait to see you on-air as we discuss what we’re most excited about, sightings and how we will be navigating TIFF ’23.

If you’re looking to catch us, we will be on CP24 in the 12 o’clock hour September 13th and on CP24 Breakfast on September 14th to start!

STARBUCKS CANADA – It’s PSL Season and the iconic autumnal beverage returns! This year saw the launch of two new seasonal beverages – Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte and Iced Apple Crisp Oat Shaken Espresso – plus the return of the fan-favourite Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Apple Crisp Oat Macchiato.  The PSL will always be synonymous with cold theatres in the morning, barely staying awake during my screenings and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Also a new Starbucks location has just lauched at King x John, right in time for TIFFmas! Perfect timing.

ACURA CANADA – We are so delighted to be driving the 2023 Acura TLX A SPEC, continuing a longstanding partnership we’ve had with Acura Canada over the years. This luxury Sports Sedan is sleek and geared for performance with a potent 355-HP and 354 lb.-ft of torque 3.0-litre Turbo V6 engine. The car is protected by state of the art AcuraWatch™. We’ll be getting off to screenings and red carpets in this amazing ride!

H&M CANADA – We adore H&M and are thankful for their longtime support. We can’t wait to show-off some amazing Fall/Winter 2023 pieces from their collection in our TV appearances and throughout the Festival.

CABANO’S CHEESEBURGERS – Hands down our favourite spot in the City to get a burger, there are multiple locations around town to cater to you whether Trinity Bellwoods works best or near Yorkville is more your speed. Not only are their Cheeseburgers and Chicken Burgers (all hormone-free) are next-level, wait till you try their wings and incredible array of sauces. They now have Ice Cream too!

ARTERRA WINES – With 140 years of experience as a leading producer and marketer of globally-recognized Canadian and international wines, this is our first year partnering with Arterra Wins and we’re thrilled about it! They distribute so many of our faves including Kim Crawford, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs and more!

HAPPY NATURAL PRODUCTS – Sold only at the finest wellness retailers like Well.ca and Whole Foods, we’re thrilled to support our friends once again this year. Whether it be premium facial rollers, gua sha, shower steamers, sanitizer, scalpal massagers and more, Happy Natural Products are re-inventing self-care and wellness with their outstanding products.

Of course we know you’re pumped and we want you to be excited about our biggest supporters too! We’ve put together a TIFF ’23 Survival Pack Giveaway:

-Meal for two at any Cabano’s Cheeseburgers location in Toronto
-$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card (don’t worry there will be many up for grabs during TIFF if you don’t win the Survival Pack!)
-Two H&M Canada VIP Cards
-An assortment of Happy Natural Products
-Two bottles of Kim Crawford wine courtesy of Arterra Wines
-One official Mr. Will Wong baseball cap

I will hand-deliver to one lucky winner in the Greater Toronto Area area during TIFF!

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post on our Threads, Facebook or X account. In the comments, tag a friend! Winner must be from Greater Toronto Area. You must be following!

Rules and regulations here. Note: You nust be legal drinking age to enter.

Bookmark this page here for daily updates and reviews. We’re excited to bring you our best coverage!

Need some tips to navigate TIFF ’23? Check this out:

Team Mr. Will

How is it already TIFF? This year flew right by and it only seems like yesterday we were dreaming of a full-capacity Festival. Don’t get us wrong, it was nice having a nice, breezy TIFF last year, wrapping early. But we long for those wild days we were completely enthralled in 14-16 hour days at the Festival, crawling into bed in the wee hours of the morning at our Hotel.

Over the years, we’ve gotten a little smarter how we strategize around TIFF and we find our days actually can be productive and shorter in the thick of the Festival and we plan to employ that same plan again this year! Our first-half of the Festival is typically very busy as we balance the hottest Films of the Festival and of course the star-filled Red Carpets and parties around the City.

We couldn’t do any of this without an amazing Team. So overjoyed we are officially accredited once again this year at the Festival. Thank you in advance to Amanda Gilmore, David Baldwin, George Kozera, Justin Waldman and Nicholas Porteous whom leading-up-to and into the Festival offering their invaluable assistance giving us their thoughts on the most buzzy titles to premiere at the Festival this year. Everyone on the Team’s been dealing with their own challenges this past bit so being able to enjoy TIFF the good old-fashioned way again means so much to us. We’ve been at it for 13 years now officiallycovering TIFF in our own unique way, and it never gets old! We live for this.

We couldn’t do it without the support of our new and returning partners whom we’d like to thank individually.

CP24

Look for us once again this year as we join CP24‘s Bakari Savage for live hits and updates about the hottest Films at TIFF ’22, and also where you might spot some of the biggest stars of the Festival. The beauty of CP24 is that even if you miss it, its rotation and website, plus the CP24 GO app allow you to catch it at your convenience.

We will be on CP24 Breakfast this Friday, September 9, 2022 in the 8 o’clock hour! And our photos will be featured throughout the Festival!

ACURA CANADA

We’re delighted that our vehicle of choice for TIFF ’22 is the 2022 Acura RDX. This premium Crossover SUV delivers an exciting driving experience with its 272-hp* VTEC® turbo engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™* (SH-AWD®) that takes on corners with confidence and control. Mobilty is super-important to us during the Festival as we’re needed allover town.

STARBUCKS CANADA

It’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Season officially! Throughout the Festival we’ll giving away $25 Starbucks Canada Gift Cards which will give you a chance to try some of those comforting Fall Menu items at Starbucks! The Crisp Apple Oat Macchiato is back too and like the PSL you can enjoy it hot or iced! There’s nothing more amazing than sinking into our seat in a dark theatre with a warm PSL in-hand. Starbucks is all about making that drink yours and feel free to customize your beverage and make it all about YOU!

CHATIME CANADA

We’re delighted how mainstream Bubble Tea/Boba has become and Chatime Canada is changing the game with their exquisite flavours and tea of the highest standard. You haven’t lived till you’ve tried their Roasted Milk Tea which is obsession-worthy. Their Menu is highly customizable and my personal favourite though? Right now it’s an Iced Lychee Green Tea, 30% Sweet and Less Ice. And did you know they too have a Pumpkin Spice Milk Tea? It’s absolutely delicious. Sinfully good. What will become your favourite? Don’t forget to try their sweets from Bake Code!

SAMSUNG CANADA

So you’ve got your TIFF planned. But what good is a plan without the perfect smartphone? The Samsung S22 Ultra is our phone of choice at TIFF ’22 this year. We do so much of our Social Media posts live as we experience the magic of TIFF and actually Blog and edit our Reviews from our phone. With a strong battery life of 7h 26 mins and 40MP Selfie Camera/10 MP Periscope/12 MP Ultra Wide Camera/108MP Wide-angle Camera and 10MP Telephoto Camera, we’ve got all the angles covered!

H&M CANADA

Comfort, clean lines and boxy fits and shirt jackets are the thing this Fall and H&M is ahead of the curve on this. We will be sporting H&M throughout the Festival and can’t wait to show you some of our favourite finds from their upcoming Fall and Winter Collection including jackets and coats. We can’t wait to show off our finds!.

LA CREMA

At the end of the night after a long day at TIFF, what better way to unwind than with a glass of wine? Monterey Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Rosé are our favourites from this phenomenal winery.

boscia

Blotting Linens in Black Charcoal, Clear Complexion and Green Tea ($14). Bring a bag-friendly pack of blotting linens along with you to instantly blot away excess oil and perspiration throughout the day, without disturbing any makeup or skincare. The slim package fits perfectly in your pocket, handbag or desk drawer.

amika

Summer sun = greasy hair. No thanks. Enter the award-winning bestseller, Perk Up Dry Shampoo. Packed with natural rice starch, the dry shampoo absorbs oil, while leaving no white residue. 

STOIC BEAUTY

Eos Barrier Repair Morning Mist is perfect for your gym bag or your beach bag, Eos Morning Mist is a gentle all day refresh you and your skin deserve. Featuring Co-Enzyme Q10 for barrier repair and protection of the skin, with tangerine and lavender for uplifting your spirits, this pregnancy safe mist will have you saying “hello sunshine!”. Plus, with gentle AHA/PHAs, your skin gets some light exfoliating prior to your morning moisturizer and SPF.

HAPPY NATURAL PRODUCTS

We’re still very cautiously observing safety protocols and will be at TIFF ’22. This means sanitizing our hands frequently. HAPPY Natural Products which are available at fine retailers like Well.ca, Whole Foods, Healthy Planet, McEwan and more, include Facial Rollers, Gua Sha, Shower Steamers, Sanitizer and Masks. I swear by their 80% Hand Sanitizer which spritzes-on easily without stickiness, and it’s kept me safe and healty throughout this entire Pandemic. They were just seen this past week on Breakfast Television!

Now for the exciting stuff! One lucky winner in the Greater Toronto Area will win our TIFF ’22 Survival Prize Pack packed with items to help you survive this Festival! Prize Pack, valued at $450+ includes:

You can “like” this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK for a chance to win, or Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below, or you can just like the IG Post below also and tag a friend in the comments there!

We will be delivering the prize in-person to the lucky winner! You must be following.

TIFF ’22 runs September 8-18, 2022.

Bookmark this link and be following us for all the exciting updates!

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