Clutch pedal not returning when pressed?

Hello,

It would be helpful if you could post a good video of the noise.
Does the noise change when the clutch is depressed or released?

Regarding the burnt smell, it sounds like the clutch plate might be slipping causing this smell and also the vehicle not moving forward when trying to pull off on a steep incline.

A common failure is the clutch slave cylinder failing. This can result in a lazy clutch pedal/ not returning fully to top and could cause a slipping clutch (burning smell).
See image below of a failed clutch slave cylinder.

A good clutch description:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/inner-workings-of-a-car-clutch
and
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clutch-doesnt-work-sometimes-or-not-at-all

Often you can see an oil leak at the bottom of the transmission bell housing, you will need to look under the vehicle. see image 2.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Boris

Hello,

With toe board assembly are you referring to the bulkhead/fire wall.
Your type of vehicle is not known to suffer from any issues relating to the bulkhead breaking. See example in image below.

It can affect some vehicles, and this could cause a soft/vague clutch pedal to feel as if the clutch master cylinder or clutch cable is mounted to the bulkhead. When pressing the clutch pedal this can then flex and not activate the clutch fully.

The clutch master cylinder on your vehicle is mounted directly to the clutch pedal assembly, see image 2 below.

The main clutch issue we experience on Corsa E with the F17 5-speed transmission is a clutch slave cylinder failure, see the 1st image on my previous answer.

If the noise or clutch symptoms get worse, I would suggest to visit a specialist workshop for a 2nd opinion.

Cheers, Boris