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Hi pigale
This was a clue from last week's Guardian Prize
Wine — how’s it going down the Champs Elysées? No comment! (4)

Am I right in thinking that a French person would think it unusually formal to include "Comment" in the question?

Hi ChrisE,

Without trying to solve the clue, my initial reaction is that in this instance 'comment' would be translated as 'commentaire', as opposed to 'comment' = why.

ie 'Pas de commentaire'.

What's your view?

I've got that, Chris!
I wasn't sure if allowed to give it?

In that clue , "comment" means "how", Pigale!

Sorry, I think I missed the point!

How's it going down the Champs Elisees could indeed be translated as
Comment cela va-t-il aux (or 'sur les') Champs Elysees.

or, in common spoken French

Comment ca va sur les Champs? (With a cedilla of course!)

It's fine to give it, elle - as I said, it was last week's.

The solution is CAVA, pigale. I'm thinking that a French person is much more likely to ask "Ca va?" rather than "Comment ca va?" Is this right?

PS I was initially looking at the word 'comment' in the English question!

Comment ca va?
How are you? (how goes ))t? minus the "comment" - giving answer "ca va"

Sorry I cannot do cedillas!

Yes, you are right, 'Ca va sur les champs?' would be well used in common spoken french, but 'comment ca va ...' is also commonly used.

ie - Comment ca va sur les Champs? Ca se passe bien?

Basically, they are both in use!

Again, to use Elle's example, Ca va? as a question meaning 'comment ca va?' is common, but both questions are in everyday usage - It depends on one's own way of speaking and to whom the question is addressed. I would never have said just 'ca va?' to my boss!