Hi Lakedude,
Quite a good read HERE with regards to RichC's reply - a comparison between Common Rail and PD.

I am not so sure that this statement is true about the Common Rail system however;
"combustion noise is reduced to almost petrol engine levels"

Well, it certainly doesn't apply to my Civic at tickover anyway...
I am yet to hear a quiet diesel at low RPM's - however I haven't had the opportunity to listen to the new i-CTDi unit in the Accord at close hand yet.