Renault TV Test Drive Clio Estate Granada Day 1
It is cold in the shadows in Granada, but the heat hits you when you step out into the sun.
The snow-topped Sierra Nevada Mountains dominate the city, and when the icy air falls onto the plain, even though there are bright blue skies you puff dragons' breathe when you speak.
The city is a mix of the traditional and the modern. The Moorish Alhambra citadel and majestic glory of a colonial past with wide boulevards and tight crisscrossed streets squeezed into the old town surrounded by motorways, flyovers and towering shopping centres which scream 21st century.
We split into two teams on our first day here. The first team will collect the new Renault Clio Estate from the airport and recce locations around town for the shoot the next day. The second team set off out of town to find the recommended locations for the Renault Clio RS Sport shoot two days hence.
There is an array of red Renault Estates waiting at Granada airport. Ready to take to the road and be tested.
This is a handsome car. The research material boasted of the Sporting Brake, they were not joking it looks as though its leaning forward and about to pounce.
We need to get it locked away and try and find somewhere to do it justice.
We test the mini cameras on the drive back to the secure car park. Bedecked in angle poise cameras it attracts attention as we drive through Granada.
Once locked away ready for a dawn start in the morning we head off to the Alhambra.
We pretty soon realise that this isn't going to work. A stunning location but there is no shot. We head for the town. We very quickly find the grand avenues and crowded alleyways ideal for showing city life.
We need a great location for the static shots. These are the technical shots, which allow us to demonstrate the cars design inside and out. We need somewhere visually stunning to act a backdrop for the car.
It is proving difficult there are no squares to be found in the city where you can get a car to or open spaces with that suitable large background.
Team two are hitting the jackpot with the locations for the Clio RS. The country roads are winding and twisting ideal for showing the sporty roadhandling of the RS. They've also nailed the location for the statics. A turquoise lake framed by craggy mountains.
They then head for the racing circuit 40km away through winding mountain roads. The circuit is great, there are high point views and changes of elavation. Ideal for filming.
Great S bends and testing tight corners. They are exciting about putting the RS Cup to test.
Back in Granada with the help of some local knowledge we finally find the ideal location for the statics of the Estate. A hill top carpark with views of the city on one side and the snow topped Sierra Nevada on the other.
A great day's recce.
The director is happy.