Diesels don't rev as high as petrol engines, so those of you who enjoy the kick of revving to 6,000rpm will not like this characteristic.
Your assertion of diesels being louder, greater vibration and less efficient than petrol engines no longer hold true for modern diesel-powered vehicles.
Some of the following articles might change your opinion of modern diesel engines, especially for cars coming from Europe. New generation of diesels boast excellent refinement and are very responsive to drive.
- Stretching It.... (BMW 320d & 520d) - by KON (14/11/2009)
- A travelogue with the BMW 520d - by KON (28/12/2009)
- BMW 320 D – New Generation (Usable) Diesel from BMW - by YS Khong (12/1/2010)
- BMW 730Ld: Oil burning barnstormer - by KON (13/1/2010)
- Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI – Waiting For Euro 4 Diesel - by YS Khong (27/1/2010)
- BMW 520D - Executive Ride, Diesel Economy, Great Driving! - by YS Khong (26/2/2010)
- Audi Mileage Challenge 2009: Consistency Is Key - by Cheryl Tay (2/3/2010)
- Nissan Navara SE 6 M/T - Painless drive - by KON (11/3/2010)
Can't comment on this, but the Focus TDCi and the S40 Powershift does share the same twin clutch transmission.
I have only tested the Focus, so I can't comment on its capabilities against the Mazda3. However, the latest issue of Top Gear Malaysia pitted the Mazda3 2.0 against the Focus sedan.