I never considered a diesel car for one reason: finding a filling station used to be an issue. Besides, my 2015 Honda Fit gets great fuel economy (40+ mpg on the freeway for a non-hybrid car with modern safety features is pretty good).
My take is this: What would make a multi national car producer take this enormous risk? Could it be the standards were just unrealistic and outrages to the point that risking many millions and having hell rain down on you was worth it to remain competitive in the market? I for one would like to have one of these cars. To get these cars to be in compliance you have to strangle their motors.