My observations in Germany, Austria, and Italy is that
gas/diesel separates the upper middle class from
the lower.  Our friends are all upper.  ;-)  They
are proud to point out their fast, gas cars.  They
admit the distinction--gas is for those with more
money--and who want a sporty car.

But their T4s and T5s are all TDI, of course.

I drove a BMW 1600D, a little wagon or square-back for
two weeks.  Very quiet and lots of pep with a 6 speed
tranny.  I'd love to be able to drive one in the US,
I don't think so--it doesn't fit the US image BMW promotes.
http://www.bmw.de/de/de/newvehicles/1series/5door/2011/showroom/index.html

I even loved the navigation system.  It knew every little road
in those 3 countries and had a wonderful woman with a British
accent telling us what to do.  And if you didn't do it, after
a couple of reminders, she just took what you were doing and
got right back on track.  Of course, when she spoke German
she might have been more controlling when you didn't turn as
she ordered. ;-)  I'd take a navigation system like that in
my Syncro--but you'll still have to pry the paper maps out of
my cold, dead hands....

Richard