Audi‘s low-CO2 model the A3 1.9 TDIe is in such demand, orders placed now are not expected to be delivered until Christmas.

Audi cites an “extremely healthy order bank” as the reason for the delay.

Availability is better for the three-door version than the Sportback model, and Audi is appealing to its factory for more cars.

The 1.9 TDIe has proved the most popular model in the A3 range with fleet buyers, but the recent facelift is expected to ease the availability issue.

There are no problems with availability of the new 2.0 diesel, with deliveries of the facelifted version expected in the autumn.