There are some particularly fine diesels out there - the BMW 3.0 TT is a noteworthy example. Diesels do have merit in many applications and I can see nothing wrong with a powerful diesel Cayenne. Diesels and SUVs are a very fine match as top-end rpm really isn't a vital component of the SUV's dynamic repertoire. Strong low-end torque delivery and manageable fuel consumption are much more important drivers.

That said, let me make it perfectly clear that in out and out, lightweight and sporty cars, diesel (with its soft throttle response, falling torque delivery as revs get higher and limited rev range) is simply not my cup of tea. Show me a twin-turbo flat six diesel in the back of a 911 and I'll show you some pretty vociferous disgust.

For me it has less to do with absolute max rpm - I'm not going to poo-poo an engine an engine for revving to "only" 7200 rpm - but more to do with a willingness to rev to the red line and an inertia-free experience upon full throttle driving. Moreover, petrol engines are just so much more co-operative and willing on a downshift than diesel engines - a vital characteristic for sporty driving IMHO.