IT'S fair to say that more than a few eyebrows were raised when Porsche broke with more than 60 years of tradition to unveil it's first ever diesel model.
The German performance car giant had long avoided any moves towards non-petrol models like the plague.
But ideals are not always all they are cracked up to be before the cold hard march of commercialism and eventually everyone has to move with the times.
So it was in 2003 when Porsche first left jaws agape as it abandoned a history dedicated solely to the manufacture of two-seater sports cars to unveil a giant 4x4.
The Cayenne was greeted with howls of horror and derision in some quarters but quickly silenced the critics as it's styling and performance made it a hit and, arguably, as distinctive and desirable in it's own way as the company's more iconic models.
Six years down the line if ever a diesel engine was going to be dropped into a Porsche chassis, then it was the Cayenne which was screaming out for it.
And, yet again, once the traditionalists and nay-sayers get their heads around the fact that it has happened and sit behind the wheel for themselves they might grudgingly have to admit that it is an unqualified success.
This two-ton monster gets a new lease of life in the hands of the 3.0-litre direct injection turbodiesel engine which has been lifted straight out of the Touareg of sister company Volkswagen.
Acceleration is much more nimble thanks to the extra torque of the diesel unit, which reaches it's peak at just 2,000rpm.
And the response is quick too, with the kickdown from the tiptronic six-speed automatic gearbox coming almost instantaneously when you hit the gas pedal to overtake, for instance.
From a standing start you can hit 62mph in a little over eight seconds and the top speed is 133mph, all of which is very respectable for a diesel, but it does of course mean that Porsche now has a vehicle offering the advantages of other oil burners.
In these days of recession it is not unreasonable to assume that even some Porsche owners may have to be a little careful with the pennies, even if it's just to claw back a fraction of the extravagant initial outlay.
So the fact that you can now squeeze 30.4mpg of combined fuel consumption out of this brute is an achievement indeed and, while you may not be saving the planet any day soon, CO2 emissions of 244g/km represent a considerable improvement over petrol versions too.
The diesel retains the sport button of its related models for those seeking a more exciting drive and is also just as capable off road.
In fact the Cayenne Diesel's capability on all terrains can be enhanced by the optional (£1,931) air sprung suspension system incorporating Porsche Active Suspension Management.
This offers the option to raise or lower the entire body of the vehicle to six different levels over a range of 110 millimetres or 4.3'.
With its integrated self-levelling, the air suspension also provides a consistent body level at all times regardless of the load the vehicle is carrying and automatic reduction of ride height at increasing speed, increasing safety and reducing fuel consumption.
This could be considered a useful option and a worthwhile addition to the £39,404 price of the basic model which also offers a very reasonable if unspectacular list of standard features including front driver and passenger seats with 12-way electrical comfort adjustment, alarm system, remote central locking with remote control, on-board computer, air conditioning and a CD/radio with twelve speakers.
But if you want to add a little more luxury and refinement then a quick glance at the options list could be enough to see off any bank manager out there with a dodgy ticker!
Extras added to my test car included the Porsche satnav system with mobile phone and bluetooth connectivity, sports seats, parking assist, 21 inch Cayenne Sport alloys, sports tailpipes and a whole range of other desirables which pushed the price tag up to just under £51,000. The Porsche floor mats will even set you back £106.
Many of there are, admittedly, just aesthetic tinkerings rather than practical additions - but if your buying a Porsche you probably want it to look as sporty as it possibly can.
And it is the extra cost of achieving that which will probably ensure that the Cayenne Diesel is still seen just as much as a status symbol as an impressively rough and tough SUV that offers performance and power both on and off road.
FAST FACTS
Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Price: £39,404
Mechanical: 240bhp, 2967cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 30.4
Insurance group: 20
CO2 emissions: 244g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 2yrs/ unlimited mileage