I have a 9 month old, 1.8 petrol Ford C-Max. I have done 5,500 miles and am generally pleased with it except that on 2 occasions in stop-start traffic conditions I have had an appalling stink fill the car from the clutch. My Ford dealer has told me I just have to live with it, and has refused to do anything about a clutch change etc. Having been in the Automotive Industry myself and driving many different cars for over 40 years, when driving I always go into neutral when possible - rather than slip a clutch. So I don’t consider my driving is at fault. I like the C-Max driving position etc but am thinking of getting away from Fords all together after this experience. I worry that I may meet heavy traffic congestion and suffer a breakdown due to clutch failure. The Ford Dealers attitude seems incredible - basically wanted me to just go away. What I don’t know is whether this terrible smell is an indication of an imminent clutch failure. Should I keep using the car?