We’re sad and in ways glad to see TIFF ’15 ending and although we love the excitement, it’s nice to get back to normal again. We worked ourselves into the ground and got quite ill, but we’re fighting it. We believe in transparency and admit this wasn’t the most exciting Festival in memory, but we had fun and look forward to TIFF ’16. With rain drowning-out a lot of the fun on the Festival’s three busiest days, fans were forced to make the most out of the situation and in these times we see truly who the champs of Hollywood truly are!
Whether it be Tom Hardy or George Clooney braving the wet for fans, few can argue that it’s absolutely worth the labour and effort for that one moment of connection.
Let’s look back at my highlights of TIFF ’15!
To say this was a chore is an understatement. I love Brie Larson and if she doesn’t know that by now then it’s time to invest in a billboard. This Selfie took nine tries dating back to 2013. Prior to TIFF ’15, many were asking who she was. Now that the festival is over, people are googling. She is amazing in Room, but I’ve enjoyed her work long before that. Expect her to be in the thick of the Best Actress race this Awards Season. Worth it? Totally.
Happy to see the #bae, #TomHardy. Nicest man of #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #LEGENDMovie #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Analeigh Tipton. I’ve been singing her praises for years and all it is gonna take for this former America’s Next Top Model contestant to get that one breakout role and I’m confident you too will fall in love with the statuesque stunner. She was here for a supporting role in Ryan Reynolds‘ Film Mississippi Grind.
The talented and lovely #AnaleighTipton, at #TIFF15 with #MississippiGrind. One of my favourite young actresses. She promised me a #selfie three years ago and did it! Do you believe she once was a contestant on #ANTM? #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#ShiaLaBeouf at #TIFF15 for #ManDown. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Arrived 6:50 AM and that’s the closest I could get to #JohnnyDepp. #BlackMass #TIFF15 #Tiff40 #Toronto #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Kevin Bacon. Can’t knock this champ. He met everyone and even accommodated me for a Selfie at the Black Mass Press Conference. Unsure why this pic is so pixelicious. Oh well, I tried! LOL
Beyond thrilled to meet #LukeEvans! At #TIFF15 for #HighRiseMovie. #Tiff40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Handsome #TomHiddleston at the post-party for #HighRiseMovie at Byblos. #TIFF15 #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#EddieRedmayne hugging #ToniCollette. #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF15 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#EddieRedmayne at #TIFF15 for #TheDanishGirl. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#BenFoster at #TIFF15 with #TheProgram. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #LanceArmstrong #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#BryanCranston at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#EmilyBlunt at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#JessicaChastain at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Oops! I did it again. #MattDamon at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Finally. After six years of trying, it happened. #MattDamon + me. #TIFF15 #TheMartian #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
With Queen #JulianneMoore. At #TIFF15 for #FreeheldMovie. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
This one I’m extra-happy about! Finally a Selfie with #EllenPage, who slayed it in #FREEHELDMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF15 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #Xmen #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#SebastianStan at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF #CaptainAmerica #WinterSoldier #BuckyBarnes #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#KateMara at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on My second time getting a and the man needs to up his Selfie Game. He is superb in . Nominee we’re thinking for sure.
#BenicioDelToro at #TIFF15 for #Sicario. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#JoshuaJackson here to support #DianeKruger at #TIFF15 for #DisorderMovie. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Morning from #DianeKruger and me. She is at #TIFF15 with #DisorderMovie. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#SalmaHayek at #TIFF15 for #SeptembersofShiraz. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
With the v. stunning #AnyaTaylorJoy, at #TIFF15 with #TheWitch. Rave reviews coming into #TIFF. #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
With legendary #JeremyIrons, at #TIFF15 with #TheManWhoKnewInfinity. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TIFF15 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#DrewBarrymore at #TIFF15 for #MissYouAlready. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Rock icon #KeithRichards at #TIFF15 with #UndertheInfluenceMovie. #TheRollingStones #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
It’s like time stood still for a moment between #NataliePortman and I. #TIFF15 #TIFFSoiree #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on . Huge fan of and her work in the Trilogy. She was in a foot cast for crying out loud. She tells me she broke her leg.. She is here for French Comedy.
The formidable #JulieDelpy, at #TIFF15 with #Lolo. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #LoloMovie #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on None of us had any idea was showing-up as Producer of , starring . He walked the entire carpet, greeting fans as it was about to rain. I got sick waiting in the cold dampness, but well worth it.
Nick Robinson. This Jurassic World star was here for Rob Reiner‘s latest, Being Charlie. Certainly one to look-out for this next while.
#GeorgeClooney + #SandraBullock at the #OURBRANDISCRISIS Premiere, #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
And now to thank our partners for TIFF ’15 whom we couldn’t have done it without. We did it bigger and better than ever this year! We won’t forget appearing on CBC’s Metro Morning, ITV’s Good Morning Britain, CTV News and CP24 and if you learned of us through these appearances, welcome and please stick around! We go hard year-round, not just TIFF!
Wrapping up #TIFF15 coverage at @CP24 with these two Media icons, Stephen LeDrew and @richardcrouse. A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Thank you to the following. I couldn’t have done TIFF ’15 with their generosity and support!
Thank you @novotelnorthamerica Downtown Centre! We couldn’t have done #TIFF15 without your hospitality and convenience. It means so much that Billy had a cozy, pet-friendly home away from home, where I could check in on him quickly from all the action! #TIFF40 #Novotel A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Thrilled to be reunited with the @fordcanada Focus Titanium #TIFF15! Luxurious lifesaver! #Ford #FordFocus #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Hanging in the #CTV Green Room waiting for the Prime Minister to finish his speech. Here to talk #TIFF15! Many greats have chilled here like Taylor Swift for example! Do you like my doughnut shirt? Just one of a bunch of cool things I’ll be wearing thanks to H&M Canada! #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #samsunggalaxys6 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Our Contributors team-up to preview their top #TIFF15 Picks! Link in Bio! #TorontoFilmFestival #Toronto #TIFF #TIFF40 #TheSix #Review #Movie A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
I do it for the fans. #TIFF15 #TIFF40 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
TIFF ’16, bb.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
In the blink of an eye, the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival has arrived and now in its 40th year, the Festival promises to be bigger than better the year. Loaded with megawatts of star-power, we promise to be there every step of the way, giving you some of the most intimate access in the City to the Festival!
Before the TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 begins, we want to take a moment to thank our partners, many who are returning once again to show their support for the MR. WILL WONG brand! This is our sixth year blogging and we certainly are showing no signs of stopping. Star-spottings, Giveaways, Film Reviews and buzz. Our Team including Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin, George Kozera and myself have previewed some of the hottest titles at the Festival in advance so you’ll know which Films should be on your radars this Award season. We’ll be right in the thick of things with our unique perspective and you’ll be right in the know.
We’d like to thank:
CP24: For the seventh consecutive year, we are partnering with ultra-popular CP24 for up-to-the-minute celebrity sightings around the City! I’ll be in studio and catching-up with the station throughout the Festival, so be sure to tune-in! In the past we’ve appeared also on affiliates like Virgin Radio 99.9 and CTV News, so don’t be surprised that literally we’re everywhere again this TIFF!
ITV & TOURISM TORONTO: For the first time ever we’re appearing on television in the U.K. and we’re thrilled to have worked together with iTV and Tourism Toronto to draw focus on the excitement our City has to offer during TIFF, with a feature spot on popular morning program GOOD MORNING BRITAIN.
TYRRELLS: Made from the aristocratic potatoes of England, Tyrrells rapidly is gaining a reputation as the perfect chip for entertaining! What makes them unique is their intense taste, crunch and the fact they contain just a sliver of skin for that real potato authenticity. Flavours include Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Sweet Chili & Red Pepper, Mature Cheddar & Chives, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce & Sundried Tomato and Vegetable Chips! Learn more here. Your friends and family will know you went that extra mile if they know you serve Tyrrells!
FORD CANADA: We’re a huge fan of Ford and once again they are on-board with us for TIFF 40/TIFF ’15! We’ll be driving in style this Festival in a fuel-efficient Ford Focus, which meets out biggest need – compactness and fuel-efficiency – to a t. We won’t miss a step this Festival thanks to Ford Canada. See our sweet ride in all its loaded glory here.
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT CANADA: This year we’re giving our Readers a chance to win a couple awesome new English-themed releases in celebration of the City to City Programme’s focus on London. Although wildly-popular OUTLANDER Season 1, Volume 1 has already captivated fans, we’re giving you a chance to win also Volume 2 (out Tuesday, September 29, 2015) on DVD! Documentary LAMBERT & STAMP (in stores now) also gives us an intimate look at one of England’s most beloved rock outfits, The Who.
H&M CANADA: We love H&M and estimate that 90% 100% of our wardrobe is in fact H&M. They aren’t afraid of taking risks, have a bit of fun and continue to offer amazing value to Canada’s fashion-conscious. We are excited for you to see some the fun fashions we picked-out from their Fall/Winter 2015 Collection on our Social Media channels, during the Festival! We can’t wait for Katy Perry‘s holiday campaign! See some of their hottest new looks here!
HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE: Billy and I dream of our cozy bed at Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre and can’t wait to enjoy what little sleep we intend to get at TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 this year. The Hotel is minutes from the thick of it all and their amazing facilities include Wi-Fi, a gym, accessible parking, pool and amazing breakfast buffet at Cafe Nicole offer exceptional value for anyone visiting Toronto during the Festival. Best of all, they’re pet-friendly (yay for Billy)! It’s always reassuring knowing this as we often stress about our loved ones with those long hours during TIFF. Learn more here.
NIKON CANADA: We get tons of compliments on our photography and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Nikon Canada and our amazing D3300 HDSLR. We’re gonna take you that extra bit closer with their generosity, helping stay connected with our latest Photo updates via a WU-1a wireless mobile adapter and also a zoom lens. Can you handle that level of intimacy? You’ll basically be right beside the likes of Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp and Matt Damon! More here.
SAMSUNG CANADA: Staying connected is important and there could only be one phone for the job, the Samsung Galaxy S6 with its spacious screen and quick-charge adapter. We’re thrilled to use this TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 and most of our blogging and Social Media will be done through this amazing Smartphone! More here.
But most of all you, thank you Willionaire$ for your making us a part of your day these past six years! We are grateful and appreciative!
Now for a bit of fun, we’re giving one v. English Prize Pack including every flavour of Tyrrells Hand Crafted English Crisps, plus copies of LAMBERT & STAMP and OUTLANDER (Season 1, Volumes 1&2 on DVD)! To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!
Be following on Social Media:
Instagram: @MRWILLWONG
Twitter: @MRWILLW
Facebook: MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK
(Photo credit: Samsung Canada, Nikon Canada, Ford Canada, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada, H&M Canada, Tyrrells, Hotel Novotel Downtown Centre)
Every once in a while I get the pleasure of test driving a true gem, and a true gem the 2015 Ford Focus Titanium is indeed. This compact, high-performance vehicle drives as great as it looks, offering phenomenal value for its listed price.
What I appreciate most about the Titanium is its concern for safety. As a city driver, awareness of surroundings is both beneficial and preventative. Its audio/visual cues and rear-view camera make parallel parking or backing-out a breeze and I won’t deny how handy it is to receive visual alerts in my side mirrors that let me know when cars are about to enter my peripheral vision.
Let’s talk about the experience driving the Titanium, which I equate to pure luxury. Activated by keyless ignition, operation is simple and straightforward. The deep leather seats had me feeling cradled and cozy and that heated option sure would come in handy in the winter, am I right? A sizy hatchback trunk is perfect for those big grocery runs and gratuitous shopping extravaganzas. That spacious moonroof had me basking under the sun as I zipped down the 401, as that glorious Sony soundsystem with 10 speakers and subwoofer, blared my favourite tunes of the Summer. Lean On by Major Lazer, anybody?
In the week I test-drove the Titanium, I experienced both torrential downpour of rain and scorching heat. The front and rear-view wipers kept my line of vision clear in the rain, with superb handling of the road. And nothing beats the super-quick air conditioning which had me cool and calm in no time.
I adore the 2015 Ford Focus Titanium and without a question would own one. Learn more about it here.
Some Snaps:
And can we talk about my experience learning to drive standard? Ford Canada kindly gave me the opportunity to learn to conquer this longtime fear of mine. Driving down the 403 to Oakville, my palms admittedly were sweaty. Upon arriving at Ford Canada‘s headquarters, where I was greeted by my friend Melissa and instructor Malcolm Strachan, I knew right away I was in good hands. Patiently I was guided how and when to switch gears and to navigate that unknown variable – the ever-daunting clutch – giving my leg a bit of a workout.
Within two hours, I still was far from perfect a standard driver, but I had the foundation and basics to be able to handle the task if I ever were to drive a manual vehicle. The feeling of control you have over the road driving a standard is unparalleled, not to mention fuel efficiency benefits and the undisputed fact you will be a better, more focused driver for it all. There is no room for distracted driving when driving a standard.
I am proud to say I learned to drive standard in an ultra-stylish 2015 Ford Fiesta ST with its gorgeous Recaro-styled seats, six-speed transmission, 1.6L Ti-VCT EcoBoost I-4 engine and power moonroof and definitely would experience it again!
Learn more here about the 2015 FORD FIESTA ST.
See some Photos of my experience:
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We always will commend FORD on how much they’ve stepped-up their game in recent years. We had the pleasure of Test Driving their 2015 FORD FUSION TITANIUM in a gorgeous Deep Impact Blue. Once again we were impressed how much value packed is into this compact Vehicle, ideal for the City Driver.
When choosing a Car, Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Awareness are top priorities for us alongside performance and its 188-Horsepower 2.0L I-4 Atkinson-Cycle Gasoline Engine got us in and out of the City on about $25 of gas over four days. We love that it is spacious, seating five comfortably, while also nimble and easy to navigate in and out of Indoor and Underground Parking Lots.
Its SONY 12-speaker Audio System sounded just glorious and we were nestled into to our cozy heated leather-trimmed seats, not wanting to leave the Car with SIRIUS XM blaring away our fave Summer Tunes of 2015 on SiriusXM Hits 1. We did have trouble connecting our Phone’s Bluetooth/USB port to the Car’s Entertainment System, although this only was a minor issue.
Speaking of luxury, our jaws dropped at details like the gorgeous leather and metal shift knob, a two-way-lift Power Moonroof, an auto-dimming Mirror and extra-large rear-view mirrors which gave us that extra bit of a safety advantage. External temperature reading and SecuriCode (in the event you forget your Remote Key) are definitely added benefits mindful of the Canadian on-the-go. We will always have fond memories of driving off into the sunset on the Gardiner Expressway as the sun beamed overhead and before us.
We love that the 2015 FORD FUSION TITATIUM also is cognizant of our safety. We can’t remember what driving was like without a rear-view camera to assist us in backing-out and we love that we not only get audio, but a visual cue through our rear-view mirrors when people, obstacles or other automobiles are about. We have driven other FORD cars which maybe were a bit too cautious of surroundings and bit too aggressive with the alerts, but this was just right.
The 2015 FORD FUSION TITANIUM retails for approximately $39,549 CAN. Learn more here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
I live wholeheartedly for TIFF but before it all begins, I must take a moment to acknowledge and thank you generous Supporters who make it possible for me. We’re doing it bigger and better than ever this year and can’t wait to have you along on one of the most fun Digital Journeys in the City between Wednesday, September 3, 2014 and Sunday, September 14, 2014! We’ll be spotting Stars, interviewing a couple big names and reviewing (with the help of our amazing Contributors Justin Waldman, Jonathan Godfrey and David Baldwin) first all those Films which comprise the Awards Season Trail before everybody else! We know how much you love those Giveaways too. We just might have a trick or two up our sleeves for you Willionaire$!
This year, we’d like to thank:
HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE
Now that I’m in the ‘burbs temporarily, a downtown presence means so much to me TIFF ’14 and this wonderful Hotel places me right where I need to be. I am so grateful for Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre for their generosity once again this year in providing accommodations for part of the Festival. After a long day at it, the first thing I need most comfort and a desk on which to update my Site. After enjoying my stay so much last year, Billy and I cannot wait to crash on that amazingly soft bed once again! I also am awful excited about that Breakfast Buffet at Cafe Nicole. Hello, Bread Bar! More here.
SAMSUNG CANADA
I’ll admit that I have never used a Tablet in my life so I look forward to trying one for the first time in style, the Galaxy Tab S from Samsung Canada. With its spacious screen, Super Amoled Display and Ultra Power Saving Mode, I’ll be counting on this Beauty to be my Communication Hub and perhaps even be blogging directly from it TIFF ’14!
For the first time also, I’ll be trying-out the Samsung Galaxy S5 as my main means of communication during the Festival. I look forward to Tweeting, Facebooking and Instagramming with all of you from that 5.1″ screen and up to 13 hours of battery life, about all my exciting Star Spottings and which Films you should be seeing! More here.
NIKON CANADA
For the first time TIFF ’14, I’ll be operating fully with an SLR Camera thanks to Nikon Canada and their amazing Nikon D3300 HDSLR! I’ll be shooting in 24.2 megapixels and am rather excited about that wireless adapter for easy of uploading. Just think all those amazing Selfies and Red Carpet Snaps I’ll be posting with this! Can’t wait to see who we’ll spot and snap! More here.
FORD CANADA
I am a strong Believer in driving Hybrid Vehicles, not only for obvious environmental benefits, but also their fuel efficiency. I am so pumped – pardon the pun – to drive the 2015 Ford Fusion ENERGI SE this TIFF as I cruise along the Highway with my SiriusXM! Those heated front seats surely will come in handy on those chilly TIFF nights and its compact size is perfect for those tight spots downtown. More here.
H&M CANADA
Anyone who peeks into my wardrobe would know it’s basically all H&M. I adore H&M Canada and will be wearing them till the day I die. Once again this, I’m so honoured to be sporting pieces from the Powerhouse Retailer’s Fall 2014 Men’s Collection. My look has always been casual, fun, colourful and no-fuss, making H&M my perfect Companion. More here.
CP24
Anyone who lives in Southern Ontario knows exactly what to tune into any which time of the day. For the sixth consecutive year, I’ve been asked to contribute to CP24‘s TIFF ’14 coverage. Tune-in at any point throughout the Festival to see me either in-studio or on-the-street, in addition to the many Snaps I’ll be taking! Also at points during the Festival, I’ll be on Sister Station, CTV NEWS too! More here.
IT LOUNGE 2014
One of the most coveted Celebrity Gift Lounges won’t be that far away for my Willionaire$ this year! We are partnering with our friends at NKPR to give you a chance to win an exclusive IT Lounge Prize Pack/VIP Experience! Always been curious what Celebs get access to in those ultra-exclusive Lounges when they visit for TIFF? You’ll soon find out! More here.
OUT THERE TIFF HOSPITALITY SUITE AND LOUNGE
We love Melissa DiMarco and once again this year we’re thrilled to give Readers a chance to enjoy her Oasis situated out of Intercontinental Hotel. Don’t be surprised if you see a Star or four milling about! A great opportunity to relax, grab a bite/drink and mingle with Industry types.
Stay tuned, we’ll certainly have some surprises here throughout TIFF ’14 and were happy to bring some of our Readers to Red Carpet Premieres up-close and personal with the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Jake Gyllenhaal. Some even got to attend some glam Parties!
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Happy TIFF ’14, Willionaire$!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
It certainly was love at first drive with the 2014 FORD FUSION HYBRID SE! This past week I had the utmost pleasure of experiencing this wonderful environmentally/fuel-efficient vehicle in a stunning Deep Impact Blue. Not only did I get-by on just $35 of gas in eight days – barely using half a tank of gas – the Car pretty much saved my life!
Wongsters know well that I’m pretty much everywhere and after a long, grueling day in the heat Sunday while driving home along the 401, I must say that I was feeling rather fatigued. Noticing slight changes in my driving behaviour, I saw an alert on my Dashboard suggesting I take a rest, with a Coffee Cup icon popping-up. I took its advice right away and stopped-off at a Starbucks for a quick break before continuing the rest of my drive, making it home safe and sound, cool and air-conditioned. Sometimes we just need to be told!
Smooth acceleration also is a highlight of this easy-to-navigate offering from Ford, the Automaker which undoubtedly has stepped-up its game in recent years with choices comparable to many other luxury manufacturers in the marketplace.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid SE was super-aware of my safety and in addition to a rear-view camera handy for reversing, frequent alerts told me when either people, obstacles or automobiles were in the vicinity. It basically was super-conscious of my well-being and I appreciate that!
One of my favourite features on the Dashboard were the Efficiency Leaves. The game-like interaction of this feature keeps track of my progress as an efficient Driver with more leaves blooming on the display as time passes rewarding me for maximizing mileage and saving fuel!
Do I need to go into my addiction to SIRIUS XM which had me sitting in my car for prolonged periods just to hear what songs would play next? The leather seats were so comfortable that my Shih Tzu, Billy, made himself right at home, plopping himself in the Passenger’s Seat when normally he’s rather anxious and shifty in cars!
I absolutely loved the FORD FUSION and would consider this near the top of the pack of Cars to buy!
Learn more about it here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
For a change, a different type of Ford is the Talk of the Town in Toronto! Celebrating 50 years of sleek fearlessness, Ford Canada fêted its prized MUSTANG last night in Toronto at 99 Sudbury, recent site of Private Parties for Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Increasing its Horsepower and Torque, combining for the first time ever an EcoBoost Engine, the 2015 Ford Mustang, currently in-production and to be released late 2014, was the Centerpiece of the Evening. See it here.
Guests had a chance to pose happily for Photos with the Classic 1961 Edition of the Convertible Ford Mustang, while dining on a sumptuous array of Offerings Lobster Poutine, Duck Confit Sandwiches and Roast Beef with Demi-Glace. I couldn’t resist either!
Follow Ford Canada on Twitter for more here!
If you haven’t driven a Ford lately, you’ll be shocked up much they’ve stepped-up their game. Read all about my experience driving the Ford Focus recently! Read about it here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Ford Canada)
Okay, admit it. As a trend-conscious 20-something, Ford wasn’t at the top of my list for Dream Car. Now that I’m in my 30s though, I appreciate practicality, but make no mistake – I still love style. The American Multinational Automaker however truly has stepped-up its game, understanding the Marketplace and what they’ve come-up with is a way of incorporating Ford’s reliability, while offering new options which dare I say, stand side-by-side with several other mid-range to Luxury Cars from its Competitors. If I might say so myself, I rather enjoyed test-driving the sophisticated FORD FOCUS TITANIUM recently.
I was lucky enough to drive the Vehicle in a flashy Blue Candy Metallic, which actually is reminiscent of Blue Freezies – happy times! Looks aside, I appreciated most its pavement-hugging traction amidst these sloshy, wet Conditions – an aftermath of our prolonged Extreme Cold Alert. Its six-way Power Driver’s Seat angled me into position perfectly for a comfortable ride and best of all, the Luxury Version of the Vehicle came with impressive Leather Seating.
I fully utilized the Focus Titanium‘s indulgent powered, big, bright Moonroof and those who are particularly concerned with safety will appreciate individualized control over the Airbag and also a super-diligent Rear-View Camera which warns you right away when anything might be coming your way as you reverse. This of course meant a lot to me as I had to transport several invaluable belongings in the Hatchback that day.
You’ll also appreciate its Dual-Climate Heating because let’s face it, not all of us are the same when it comes to temperature preferences. I had the heat up on my side, while my Billy napped away in Doggy Dreamland in the Passenger’s Seat at a lower temperature as we cruised up the Don Valley Parkway.
One of the features I enjoyed most in the Vehicle is its Sirius XM capability. Basically, I didn’t want to leave my Car at points jamming to the ’90s on 9 Station with the Car’s fantastic SONY Audio System. Best of all? The Car is fuel-efficient for those of you who like me have better things to spend our hard-earned cash on than gas!
Learn all about the Ford Focus Titanium right here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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