Manual Cupra 300 Smell

[jdubya]

So I’m 3 weeks in to my Cupra 300 ST ownership and put simply I’m loving it however one small niggle is starting to bother me. No matter how it’s driven or for how long when I get out of the car I am greeted with a really strong clutch odour?? Bit of background on age/mileage now - the car is a 17 plate with a confirmed 17000 miles on the clock - the pedals are level, the clutch bite point is just on half way it’s travel with no judder or slip felt whilst driving/pulling away - in fact it drives like a 17000 mile car ought too!
Has anybody else suffered/suffering this or is this “normal”??

 

[paddy6789]

I wouldn't say that is normal - the only time I ever got the horrible burnt clutch smell was after it had slipped.
If you're able to replicate the smell after driving, I'd definitely take it to a SEAT or a VAG Specialist to get them to have a look. Perhaps the previous owner(s) have ragged it a bit too much and there's something with the clutch/flywheel that's not quite right as a result.
The clutches on manual cars are pretty much made from chocolate, so if you end up having to pay out for a new clutch for whatever reason, I would strongly recommend buying an uprated one. The RTS Twin Friction has a very OEM pedal feel but is rated to over 600nm - if you're stock, this will be perfect!

 

[xyz]

As paddy said, the clutches on manuals are known to be weak and it’s a known problem on the Golf R forum I’m in. Funnily enough, my R has done 37,000 miles from new without issue with its clutch. Only problem I’ve had is the leaky thermostat housing which I’ve just had replaced and is also a known problem. Maybe the previous owner of yours hasn’t been very sympathetic.


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[BigJase88]

Stick it in 6th at low rpm and smash the accelerator to the floor and see if it slips, do it on an incline then you will know

 

[jdubya]

Thanks guys for the advice - will monitor and go from there

 

[martin j.]

3rd gear on an incline, handbrake on and try to draw away, healthy clutch=stall, slip=clutch problem.