But a bigger engine and it'd be ok.... 335d.
It just depends on what constitutes 'ok' for you.
If you mean 'ok' as in a great car, that is pretty quick, economic and can fit a family in then yes.
If you mean 'ok' as in a potentially better proposition than the petrol equivalent, then nope. it gets very tiring changing up at 4k revs! It's like driving a car like an S2K but with short gear ratios meaning you have to change up at 4k.....not good.
I really think cars like the 335d are in such a bizarre niche imo....
I dont think it's a bizarre niche... i think it's the future. I for one would go for a car that looks and handles the same, but is twice as economical as the petrol equivalent - assuming it's comparable in performance. If acceleration, top speed and torque are all on par then the only compromise you're making for the increased economy is slightly reduced aural pleasure and just having to use a different driving style. Not for everyone i know, but i would sacrifice this for the money savings.