diesel engines went trough a huge evolution the last 20 years, current diesels are much like pertrol engines to drive, although they're very complex, so maintenance costs could be an issue, but in terms of economy and performance they rule.
i totally love cars from the 80's, it seemed aerodynamics where put high on the agenda back than, and designers finally decided to do away with obsolete grills on favor of flat aerodynamics nose panels... wheel arches where shaped for tire clearance and ninimal aerodynamic intrusion
ford sierra 1982 Cd 0.34 (later the car got a more conventional grill, but the big headlights still dominated the front...)
citroen ax 1986 Cd 0.31 (this one will appeal to metro fans!)
opel omega 1986 Cd 0.28
opel calibra 1989 Cd 0.26
i think this proves it's more than possible to build practical cars, that don't even have to all that funny looking.