For Acura, one of the biggest events at this year’s Detroit Auto Show was the unveiling of the all-new 2019 RDX. Being that this SUV is one of the brand’s most popular vehicles, Acura knew they had to bring their A game for the new generation.

Did they achieve their goal? Let’s find out.

Firstly, this SUV is built on an all-new platform that is both lighter and stiffer than the one it replaces. The 2019 RDX is about 30 mm wider and 63 mm longer than its predecessor, but since the front and rear overhang are shorter, the vehicle won’t be much harder to drive in congested city centers, though it will offer more interior room than before.

This will be the brand’s first SUV that gets an A-Spec version, a visual treatment reserved until now for Acura’s fastest sedans. Keep in mind, what we’re looking at here is a prototype; however, the production version shouldn’t be that different.

The 10.2-inch screen in the 2019 RDX’s dashboard is controlled by the manufacturer’s new True Touchpad Interface. The way this system works is interesting; instead of touching the screen directly, you can use a small remote touchpad to select the functions. We can’t wait to get one inside the showroom to test it out! An optional 16-channel, 710-watt sound system will be offered for music aficionados, with Acura’s advanced AcuraWatch safety suite coming standard.

The powertrain will be another new piece of technology. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder will send power to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while the manufacturer’s Super-Handling all-wheel-drive system will be optional in the US. While Canadian specifications haven’t been confirmed, it stands to reason that we will only get the AWD RDX north of the borders. Another thing that hasn’t been announced yet is the horsepower rating; the outgoing RDX extracted 279 horsepower out of its 3.5-litre V6, and it’s safe to say that the new turbocharged engine can give a lot more.

The 2010 Acura RDX will arrive in dealerships in the middle of 2018, so stay tuned to our social channels for an update on arrival.

Brampton isn’t exactly a “hidden gem.” With over half a million residents and millions of neighbours in the GTA, it’s definitely on most Ontarian’s radar. Still, it remains something of an underrated city…which, for its residents, is pretty great!

Suburban though it may be, Brampton doesn’t lack for fun outing options, even when the province freezes solid. From skating to skiing to shooting Nerf arrows at your besties (yup, you can do that), here’s how to have fun in Brampton in the wintertime.

Hit the slopes Caledon Ski Club.

Head to the local ski club for some afternoon downhill mountain sports, and then explore the latest automotive offering from the Policaro Automotive family. Policaro Automotive has partnered with the Caledon Ski Club to bring its performance brand to life through a series of winter events including test drives of the latest models from Northwest Lexus, Policaro BMW and Porsche Centre Oakville, a high-performance ski-service centre, and scavenger hunts for those still too young to get behind the wheel. For more information, call the Caledon Ski Club at 519-927-5221 ext. 225.

We have some beautiful cars coming by the Ski Swap this Sunday from our friends at Policaro. #caledonskiclub #policaro #skiswap

A post shared by Caledon Ski Club (@caledonskiclub) on Oct 12, 2017 at 7:39am PDT

 Get some air time at Aerosports Trampoline Park.

From a toddler zone to ultimate dodgeball to open bouncing, the 18,000-square-foot trampoline park at Aerosports has jumping options for the whole family. It’s the perfect spot to host a birthday party or spend any old super-cold Sunday afternoon.

#SundayFunday! Kids will never get enough of jumping!!!

 

Sharpen the blades and head to the Chinguacousy Park​ skating ribbon.

Brampton’s latest ice worthy of your blades? The all-new skating canal at Chinguacousy Park​. The trail is more than 2,000-square-metres of ice surface, which means 500 skaters can be gliding along at once, and on certain days, local food trucks will ensure you stay fueled. Don’t have skates? You can rent a pair Thursday through Sunday during operational hours.  

A post shared by CurbsideDogs (@curbsidedogs) on Dec 4, 2017 at 3:33pm PST

 Cheer on the Brampton Beast!

There’s no need to make the trek into Toronto to watch the Leafs when you can catch a Brampton Beast game closer to home. The local ECHL team puts on a powerful show and tickets for most home games can be easily found online.

A post shared by Brampton Beast (@bramptonbeast) on Dec 5, 2017 at 8:35am PST

Get silly tubing at Mount Chinguacousy.

While Mount Chinguacousy offers skiing and snowboarding, the real fun is had over on the tubing terrain. Prices vary depending on use, but $13.35 will get you six slides or two hours in the park. If you have extra littles, note that the minimum height requirement to ride is 42-inches.  

A post shared by inbrampton (@inbtown) on Nov 18, 2017 at 7:44am PST

Fire Nerf arrows at your kids at Battle Archery.

Sometimes the only way to sap your kids’ seemingly endless energy is to let them run it out. At Battle Archery, an indoor nerf gun playing field, they run and jump and scream all while shooting each other and other players with nerf bullets. You can play, too. Or you can sit it out and enjoy a moment of peace from the sidelines.

Wage epic medieval warfare at Battle Archery! #nerf #battlearchery #larp www.battlearchery.com

A post shared by Battle Archery (@battlearchery) on Nov 6, 2017 at 10:09am PST

Feel the artistic inspiration at the Peel Art Gallery.

For indoorsy folk, head over to the Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) and experience a variety of creative exhibitions, including one of the latest, Peel Through the Photographers’ Lens. Don’t miss the Family Fun Day each Saturday and Sunday at 1pm for various organized activities.  

A post shared by PeelArtGalleryMuseum+Archives (@visitpama) on Apr 6, 2017 at 11:18am PDT