They have some amazing diesels in Europe now that have become very popular. They aren't your fathers diesel. Very torquey, very quick, plenty clean, plenty refined, and great gas mileage. Mercedes has brought one of those modern engines over here. The E class diesel is nice. 0-60 in 6.6 and 37 mph! The 3.0 diesel three series is a great car too. 0-60 in 6.0 with great mileage. Car and Driver got 38mpg which is crazy for a car that fast.
http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/11344/2006-bmw-330d.html
If I were on the market for a new car i'd get one of these new clean diesels that will be coming out. So much nicer than they were ten years ago. I like high torque cars so one will be perfect. I've rented modern ones in Europe and they are almost as smooth as gas but gather speed effortlessly with all the torque.