Category Archives: Blog

Policaro Acura wins Automotive News Canada’s Best Dealership to Work For, four years running


We’re proud to announce that Policaro Acura has been named Automotive News Canada’s Best Dealership to Work For—an honour we’ve now achieved for the fourth consecutive year. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team who make Policaro Acura an exceptional place to work.

Our dealership thrives on teamwork and every employee shares a passion for excellence. As such, it has built a culture that encourages growth and innovation, and our team at Policaro Acura truly enjoys coming into work every day.

“A lot of our new employees come to us through word-of-mouth from our current employees, which I think is the best compliment that you can get,” says Francesco Policaro, CEO at Policaro Group. “When our employees refer their friends and family to come work here, it’s because they believe it’s a great place to be, much like when you refer someone to a hotel or a restaurant you had a great meal at.”

Because of this, Policaro Acura has always maintained a sense of being a small family business, despite having grown into a thriving organization.

What’s more, our sense of community doesn’t stop with our dealership. One of our most cherished annual events is the Policaro Group Toy Drive. Each year, our team comes together to collect toys for children in need at the William Osler Health System Pediatrics Unit, filling our Acuras with gifts and delivering smiles during the holiday season. This event has become a huge success, and it highlights the generous spirit that drives us every day, both inside and outside of the dealership.

It’s team building events like this that create a lasting connection between our employees and the community of Brampton.

While we’ve won several other industry accolades, including the Financial Services Guild Award in 2021, as well as Acura Elite Dealer recognitions for 15 years (most recently 2022), Best Dealership to Work For is always the most satisfying. It requires honest feedback from everyone at the company.

In order to be considered Automotive News Canada’s Best Dealership to Work For, organizations must first meet certain criteria. Once deemed eligible, employees participate in a survey on culture, management and workplace satisfaction, while employers are tasked with completing an in-depth questionnaire about the business. Data is then reviewed and awards are given to only the top ranked dealerships.

Winning this award for the fourth time reinforces what we stand for: a place where our team loves to work, where our community is supported, and where our customers can feel the passion in everything we do. We’re incredibly grateful to our team for making this achievement possible. Here’s to another year of growth, service and success at Policaro Acura!

Honda vs Acura: What makes Acura a more premium brand?



Acura, the luxury division of Honda, stands out in the competitive automotive market by combining performance with innovation. While Honda is renowned for its reliability and affordability, Acura elevates these qualities with a focus on premium materials, cutting-edge features and noteworthy driving dynamics.

In short, Honda has a more broad appeal and caters to a wide range of consumers, but does not carry the same level of exclusivity as Acura.

Here are five reasons why Acura is a more premium brand.


Acura favours premium powertrains and puts performance first
Acura vehicles often feature more powerful and refined engines compared to their Honda counterparts. For example, the Acura TLX Type S is equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine that delivers exhilarating performance. Additionally, Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system offers superior handling and stability.

Honda vehicles focus more on efficiency and reliability. While models like the Honda Accord and Civic offer commendable performance, they do not match the high-powered engines and advanced all-wheel-drive systems found in Acura vehicles.


Acura offers luxurious interior materials and thoughtful design elements
Acura interiors are crafted with premium materials like leathers, real woods and aluminum trim. The attention to detail in design and craftsmanship ensures a premium and comfortable environment. Features like ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats and high-end audio systems further enhance the luxury experience.

Honda interiors are practical and well-designed but use more conventional materials. While higher trims may offer leather seating and advanced infotainment systems, they lack the extensive use of premium materials and design intricacies found in Acuras.


Acura uses sophisticated technology
Acura vehicles come equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including the True Touchpad Interface™, Head-Up Display (HUD), and AcuraLink® Connected Services. The ELS Studio® Premium Audio system, developed with Grammy® award-winning producer Elliot Scheiner, provides an exceptional listening experience.

Honda also integrates advanced technology in its vehicles, but the offerings are generally less sophisticated compared to Acura. While features like Honda Sensing®

safety suite and HondaLink® are impressive, they do not match the level of innovation and luxury found in Acura’s tech offerings.

Acura is outfitted with premier driver assistance systems
AcuraWatch™, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, is standard across many Acura models. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation, providing a higher level of safety and convenience.

Honda has similar safety features, but AcuraWatch™ typically includes more advanced and refined systems. Acura’s focus on providing the latest safety technologies as standard emphasizes its commitment to luxury and customer satisfaction.




Acura’s exterior design and overall aesthetic is more refined


Acura’s design philosophy emphasizes bold and sophisticated elements. The Diamond Pentagon Grille and Jewel Eye® LED headlights are signature design elements that give Acura vehicles a distinctive and premium look.


Browse our inventory at Policaro Acura and find new cars and SUVs for sale in Brampton.



4 free fun things to do in Brampton this summer


Brampton truly comes alive in summertime. The season is locally packed with activities that make the most of our beautiful city. Our parks are in full bloom, for one, and there’s nothing like spending a sunny afternoon in Gage Park or Chinguacousy Park. Whether you’re picnicking with family, splashing around in the wading fountain, throwing discs at the disc golf course, or enjoying one of the many summer concerts, these green spaces are the heart of our community. Heart Lake Conservation Area is another gem, offering hiking, fishing and even a thrilling zip-line for the adventurous. And let’s not forget our local farmer’s market, bustling with fresh produce and artisanal goodies every Saturday from June to October, or the visitor-friendly local farms that help provide the goodies.

The festival scene in Brampton is also unbeatable. Perhaps you already got out and celebrated Carabram, our multicultural festival that showcases the rich diversity of our city with vibrant pavilions, delicious food and lively performances. If you haven’t been out and about this season just yet, don’t worry because there are plenty of fun (and free!) things to do in Brampton this late summer and early fall.


World of Jazz Festival
Scheduled for September 7-8, 2024, in Downtown Brampton, this two-day event features over 100 musicians and 18 ensembles performing various styles of jazz, including blues, funk, bebop, swing, Latin jazz and more. The festival will include performances from notable artists such as Michael Kaeshammer and the Count Basie Orchestra, along with local talents and student musicians. It also offers a family fun zone, food vendors and other activities​.


Brampton Food Truck Festival
The 2024 Brampton Food Truck Festival promises a tasty experience with a lineup of 40 food trucks, each offering a variety of options, like vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free dishes. Some standout participants include Ali’s Wraps, Churros By Rebozos, DL Village Juicery, Greek Goat, HK Food Station, Ontario Corn Roasters, Victor Poutine and more.

Set to run from August 30 to September 1 at Chinguacousy Park, the festival features more than just food. Attendees can enjoy live musical performances and eating challenges. It’s free to attend and supports the William Osler Health System Foundation.


Peel Makers Craft Fair
The Peel Makers Craft Fair is set for September 15, 2024, at the Gore Meadows Community Centre. Organized by AFOMA Marketplace, this event highlights the creativity of local artisans from the Peel Region and GTA. Attendees can explore a wide range of handmade products, including art and paintings, textiles and knits, ceramics and pottery and gourmet treats.

The fair is more than just a shopping experience; it offers a lively atmosphere with family-friendly activities like balloon artist and face painting for children. And it also helps support fair trade as AFOMA Marketplace, the host, is renowned for its Web3 artisanal platform that supports local and marginalized communities by providing artists with direct access to a global market, ensuring a sustainable income​.


Stomp N’ Stampede
The 2024 Stomp N’ Stampede is set to bring a lively celebration of country music and dance to Garden Square on August 16. This year the event is hosted by DJ Johnny Rivez, opened by London, Ontario’s own Aaron Allen and headlined by Saskatchewan’s rising talent Kalsey Kulyk, whose classic country sounds and engaging performances have been taking the Canadian country music scene by storm. (Listen to Kalsey’s single Love Me Like an Outlaw here to get in the boot-stompin mood.)

The Stomp N’ Stampede will also feature line dancing lessons from the Double Trouble dancers, so bring the family and be prepared to cut a rug!




The all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX Type S makes history as the first-ever EV pace car Pikes Peak International Hill Climb


The 102nd running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by Gran Turismo made history this summer with a groundbreaking addition to its roster. The all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX Type S served as the event’s first-ever all-electric pace car. It’s a milestone that highlights the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology along with Acura’s commitment to automotive performance and innovation.


Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, known as the ‘Race to the Clouds’, is one of the most aggressive motorsport events in the world. Spanning 12.42 miles with 156 turns, the course ascends to an elevation of 14,115 feet at Colorado’s Pikes Peak mountain, testing the limits of both driver and machine. Traditionally dominated by internal combustion engines, this year’s race marked a significant shift to more sustainable modes of transportation with the introduction of the all-electric Acura ZDX Type S as the pace car.





The ZDX Type S was up for the challenge. With 500 horsepower and 544 lb-ft of torque, height adjustable air suspension, performance-tuned adaptive dampers and 15.6-inch Brembo™ front brakes with 6-piston calipers, Acura’s first-ever EV couldn’t have been more ready for this unforgiving terrain. The 447 km of range helped, too.


Coco Zurita, X Games medalist and amateur drifter, was tasked with driving the ZDX Type S pace car along the winding course, experience the thrill of the EV in a race setting for the first time.


At its core, the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is a high-performance SUV that combines cutting-edge electric drivetrain technology with Acura’s renowned handling and performance. Powered by a state-of-the-art electric motor, the ZDX Type S is the ideal candidate to lead the pack at Pikes Peak thanks to its impressive range and power.


This is Acura’s 10th year as the official Pikes Peak International Hill Climb pace car and often acts as a stage for showing off impressive machines. Previously, we’ve brought a second-generation NSX in 2015 and a TLX Type S prototype in 2020. Still, the EV might be the biggest statement-maker yet. As the first all-electric pace car in the history of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Acura ZDX Type S is redefining new standards for motorsport. Its presence at the event underscores the growing importance of electric vehicles in high-performance settings and showcases Acura’s leadership in electrification.


One thing is clear: the landscape of the automotive industry is shifting. With manufacturers increasingly focusing on electric and hybrid technologies, events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb provide a platform to show off the capabilities and potential of these advanced battery-powered vehicles, and Acura is right there leading the charge.

Remembering the icons: Three memorable retired Acura nameplates


Some car models are discontinued, never to be seen again. At Acura, our community celebrates generations past (browse our pre-owned inventory), allowing the legacy of our favourite retired models to live on. Our vehicles are known for precision-crafted performance and innovation and we’ve produced several models that have left a lasting impression over the years.


From the Legend in the ’80s to the RLX that retired in 2020, these are three Acura models that were popular in their day and remain trustworthy machines today despite being discontinued.


Acura Legend (1986-1995)
The Acura Legend altered the luxury sedan landscape when it debuted in the 1980s. It marked Acura’s foray into the world of high-end performance in North America, setting the stage for the brand’s reputation for years to come. The Legend was reliable and powerful with a 3.2-liter V6 engine and quickly became one of the first Japanese sedans to challenge its European competition in the same segment. The Legend was ahead of its time in terms of tech, too, with advanced features like anti-lock and a fancy cabin climate control system.


Acura Integra (1986-2001)
The Acura Integra lands a cheeky spot on our list. Up until 2023, it was a beloved and retired model that had been off the production line for more than two decades. Automotive aficionados looked back on the Integra fondly. During its reign, it was a machine known for its sleek aesthetic and impressive prowess and agility on the road.


The Integra was loved and a pleasure to drive, and its popularity, even throughout retirement, proved a point: people wanted to drive this machine. In 2023 the Integra made a triumphant return, now in its fifth generation. The rebirth of the Integra and the Integra Type S has brought new life to the model and is a testament to the staying power of our finest models.


Acura RLX (2014-2020)
The Acura RLX was the flagship sedan during its six year run. The hybrid model, with its 3.5-litre V6 engine and 310 horsepower was unique in that it was offered as a Sport Hybrid edition. The hybrid option, along with its advanced systems, like Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) and the AcuraWatch safety suite, made it a smart choice for motorists after a sedan silhouette.


The RLX showcased a blend of innovative technology, elegance, and performance, and while its retirement marks the end of an era, its legacy continues to influence luxury sedans today.


Whether you’re shopping for a current nameplate or a retired one, explore our pre-owned Acura inventory by clicking here.

5 family-friendly things to do in Brampton in summer


Summer in Brampton is the ultimate time for families to explore, play, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Brampton offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families of all sizes and ages.


Here are five of our favourite family-friendly things to do in Brampton this summer.


Chinguacousy Park: A Day of Fun and Adventure
Chinguacousy Park is the ultimate destination for families looking for a full day of fun and adventure. It’s a sprawling park that has a number of activities, like a petting zoo, mini-golf course, paddle boats, as well as a splash pad to keep everyone entertained. Children will want to spend hours on the playgrounds and that’s okay because there’s beautifully landscaped gardens for parents to sit in and bring a book. During the summer, the park also hosts events and festivals, making it a lively spot to visit. Pack a picnic and you’re set for the day.


Wet ‘n’ Wild Toronto: Beat the Heat with Thrilling Water Slides
Located just a short drive from Brampton, Wet ‘n’ Wild Toronto is a fantastic water park that’ll keep you and the family cool as the temperature rises. With a variety of water slides, wave pools, and a lazy river, there’s something for everyone in the family. The park also offers kid-friendly areas with smaller slides and splash zones, so even the youngest members of the group have a blast. Be sure to arrive early to snag a good spot for your crew.


Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA): A Cultural Adventure
For a more educational outing, PAMA offers a mix of art, culture and local history. This museum and gallery are perfect for families who want to learn and explore together. With interactive exhibits and special summer programs, PAMA makes learning fun for all ages. The art gallery showcases works by local artists, while the museum’s historical exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.


Heart Lake Conservation Park: Nature Trails and Treetop Trekking
If your family loves being outdoors, Heart Lake Conservation Park is a must-visit. This park offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking, all surrounded by the natural beauty of Southern Ontario. Bring your bikes or rent a paddleboat to fully enjoy everything this natural haven has to offer. For those seeking a bit more adventure, Treetop Trekking provides an exciting aerial course with zip lines and climbing challenges suitable for various age groups. The park’s splash pad and pool are perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring.


Brampton’s Farmers’ Market: Fresh Finds and Family Fun
Every Saturday morning during the summer, downtown Brampton comes alive with the vibrant Brampton Farmers’ Market. This market is a wonderful place for families to enjoy fresh produce harvested nearby as well as tasty baked goods and unique crafts. Kids will love tasting the seasonal fruits and exploring the different stalls, while parents can pick up grocery items for a healthy meal at home. The market often features live music and entertainment, too, making it a fun atmosphere for all. It’s a great way to support local entrepreneurs and spend a relaxed morning together.


We live here for a reason: Brampton offers a wide range of activities for families looking to enjoy the summer season, from adventurous outdoor parks to educational museums and vibrant markets. There’s something to delight every member of the family, so grab your keys and hit the road! Your most memorable summer adventure in Brampton is waiting.

The Integra has claimed not one but three prestigious awards this year


The Integra Type S has single-handedly earned Acura a “Triple Crown” title.


The automotive world is buzzing as the Acura Integra Type S claims the prestigious “Triple Crown,” earning three major industry awards. The Integra won top spot at the 2023 North American Car of the Year™, the 2024 Car and Driver 10Best Cars award, and the 2024 Road & Track Performance Car of the Year. It’s an achievement that highlights the Acura Integra Type S for its exceptional dynamic performance and refinement, all at competitive price.


Dominating the Competition
The high-performance Acura Integra Type S continues to be recognized for its incredible power and dynamic performance, coupled with premium features and refinement. It’s no surprise to Integra drivers: this is an outstanding vehicle. The 2024 Road & Track Performance Car of the Year award is a testament to the Integra’s outstanding capabilities, adding to its impressive list of prestigious industry honours. This year’s win marks Acura’s second Road & Track Performance Car of the Year trophy in the award’s history.


“We make Acura performance cars for driving enthusiasts, and it is an honour to have our Integra Type S recognized with the Road & Track Performance Car of the Year award,” says Emile Korkor, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. “We are especially proud of our development team in Japan and the production associates at our plant in Marysville, Ohio for creating a truly outstanding performance vehicle like the Integra Type S.”


The Road & Track Performance Car of the Year award, now in its 11th year, send vehicles through four days of intense testing on both the road and the track. The magazine’s editorial team evaluates each car based on a combination of performance and value. This year, testing included two days at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California, followed by two days navigating the winding roads of northern California’s Napa Valley. Eligible cars needed to be brand new or significantly revised for the 2024 model year.


The Integra Type S delivers a new interpretation of ultimate street performance for the next generation of enthusiast drivers, elevating Acura Precision Crafted Performance in the gateway segment with 320 horsepower and the only available manual transmission in its class. Since its return to the Acura lineup for the 2023 model year, the next-gen Integra has quickly become the best-selling model in the premium sport compact segment, capturing nearly 40% of sales in the class and more than doubling the sales of its nearest competitor.


For those eager to learn more about the 2024 Acura Integra lineup, including the high-performance Integra Type S, we encourage you to visit us in person at Policaro Acura or by clicking here to contact us online.

Acura MDX JD

Acura MDX scores back-to-back wins: Named best-in-class for residual value again


The good news just keeps coming for Policaro Acura customers. For two years running, the Acura MDX has clenched the prestigious J.D. Power Canada ALG Residual Value Award, reaffirming its position as a standout in its class. Most recently, the MDX has won the top spot for 2023 Residual Value in the Midsize Premium SUV 3-Row Segment, an honour that proves Acura vehicles continue to be ranked among the top luxury brands in Canada for holding their value.


It’s a major victory, not only for Acura as a brand, but for MDX owners, like yourself. Such a recognition further solidifies the staying power of the Acura MDX. Industry experts agree, this 3-row SUV holds its worth. When you commit to an MDX, you can feel good about your investment—this is a vehicle that is expected to retain its value more so than any other in its category.


“We couldn’t be happier to receive this J.D. Power Canada ALG Residual Value Award for the second year in a row,” says James Marchand, Assistant Vice President at Acura Canada. “The Acura MDX and MDX Type S set the bar for performance luxury SUVs in Canada.”


Marchand emphasized Acura’s dedication to precision crafted performance, quality and reliability, noting that these key pillars helped the MDX snag this top spot for the second time in a row. The win further underscores Acura’s value proposition for Canadian consumers.


The J.D. Power 2024 Canada ALG Residual Value Awards carry significant weight in the automotive industry. It serves as a trusted standard for recognizing vehicles projected to retain the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) after three years. This year, 272 models were sent through an evaluation that looked at used-vehicle performance, product competitiveness and overall brand outlook.


This recognition is crucial for car buyers evaluating the total cost of ownership and resale value of a prospective vehicle, regardless of whether they opt for financing, leasing, or purchasing outright.


If you’ve been considering getting into an Acura MDX, we’d love to help you start your journey. Contact Policaro Acura today at (905) 458-7100, by email at [email protected], or by visiting our dealership in person.

Acura Integra Type S wins another major award


There’s no arguing that the Acura Integra Type S stands out amongst its peers. It’s a vehicle that embodies Acura’s commitment to precision performance, and since the 2024 Integra Type S has the distinction of being the only manual transmission in its class, it is single handedly changing what street performance looks like for the next generation of driving enthusiasts.


As such, the Integra Type S has found itself on Car and Driver magazine’s prestigious 10Best Cars list for 2024, an accolade that Acura can add to its growing list of honours, including the recent 2023 North American Car of the Year title.


“The Acura Integra is the 2023 North American Car of the Year, now the performance-focused Integra Type S has been recognized with a prestigious Car and Driver 10Best award, solidifying Integra’s position as a world-class sedan,” says James Marchand, Assistant Vice President of Acura Canada.


Car and Driver’s evaluation process is rigorous. It tests more than 800 vehicles across 200 different criteria points, looking at performance results from track tests to different road conditions. The magazine compiles two simultaneous lists each year: 10Best Cars and 10Best Trucks and SUVs, and includes a vehicle price cap of $110,000. What keeps the process interesting is that the magazine lets the previous year’s winner return to compete against the new models.


“By mixing last year’s best with everything new, the 10Best list represents the best cars for sale this year and not just the best of what’s new,” the magazine explains.


It’s the aforementioned power and precision produced by the manual transmission that helped the Integra Type S snag the top spot.


“Honda is one of the few automakers that still recognize how important a row-your-own gearbox is in a car like this—so much so that it’s the only transmission available,” writes Car and Driver. “A stick shift brings unmatched involvement to an enthusiast’s car, and this manual is one of the best.”


The 2024 Integra Type S is manufactured exclusively at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio, the same production facility as the Integra, Acura TLX, and TLX Type S. It helps showcase Acura’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship in North America. Meanwhile, the K20C engine, which powers the Integra Type S, is built at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, where the turbo V6 engines for the Acura TLX Type S and MDX Type S are also produced.


There’s no question that the Acura Integra Type S continues to earn its place in the spotlight, impressing not only enthusiasts, but industry experts, too. With this latest Car and Driver 10Best award, it reaffirms its position as a top-tier sports sedan, setting a standard for performance and innovation in the automotive world.

Elevate your Acura ownership: What is AcuraLink™ and how do I set it up?


AcuraLink™ is an innovative system for Acura owners that’s designed to enhance the entire driving experience. It integrates your car with the digital side of your life. With AcuraLink™, you can remotely control your vehicle from afar, like starting it, locking or unlocking the doors or setting the temperature in the cabin. The latter is a game-changer, especially during extreme weather spells. But AcuraLink™ is more than a connectivity system; it’s a driving companion, enhancing safety, convenience, and enjoyment on the road.


AcuraLink™ also keeps a close eye on your vehicle’s health, sending timely maintenance alerts to ensure your Acura runs smoothly at all times. Gone are the days of missed oil changes or tire rotation appointments, saving you time and money in the long run. Vital vehicle information is also easily accessible through AcuraLink™ and you can see real-time fuel levels, tire pressure, and maintenance alerts right from your smartphone.


“We have a lot of sophisticated customers who use today’s smartphones and other tools to stay connected to the people, music and media they love,” Charles Koch, Large Project Leader for AcuraLink, said in a release. “AcuraLink is designed to let them conveniently do that in the car.”


Real-time traffic information is another valuable feature. Acura drivers are able to keep ahead of traffic jams and congestion with up-to-the-minute updates, allowing you to plan more efficient routes and avoid frustrating delays. Cloud sync navigation also works to simplify trip planning by allowing you to send destinations from your smartphone directly to your Acura’s navigation system. It’s a small but mighty feature that makes travel easier.


In case of an emergency, AcuraLink™ offers peace of mind with automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. It can automatically call for help and provide essential information to emergency responders, potentially saving lives.


AcuraLink™ even provides a personal concierge service, offering assistance with things you might not have time for, like searching out restaurant recommendations and making reservations, making your journeys all the more enjoyable.


Getting started with AcuraLink™ is easy. If you own a compatible Acura vehicle equipped with AcuraLink™, you can download the AcuraLink™ app on your smartphone and register your vehicle to unlock this world of convenience.