I agree with RD. My take is that the PM diesel successfully balances emissions/power/economy. I think the only way to get more power (like the VW guys did on Jettas etc) is to cheat on emissions. Same with the folks that "chip" their diesels for more power, or more smoke (!!).
Rapid, head jerking acceleration is not the strong suite of the PM diesel it would seem (especially with the slow 1-2 shift). However I LOVE how it drives and use Manual Mode nearly all the time. But I am not in a hurry. If you really want acceleration and good throttle response then go with the gasser PM. But the gasser does not hum along at low RPMS like the diesel, nor is it nearly as smooth at highway speeds.