You're mis-spelling it...it's actually spelled "Pious"
The bloody things are like cockroaches around here...all of the self-righteous holier-than-thou pseudo-enviro-whackos who live around here think they're the best thing since sliced bread and anyone who doesn't own one is evil and murders fluffy bunnies. )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOvp69lnZbA I ran M-B's for 9 years before I was finally in a position to get my TDI. I can't complain about the M-B's; they're reasonably fuel efficient for their era and will run forever if treated properly (I've always said, if you're short on $$ and are mechanically inclined, an old M-B diesel can't be beat)...but, regarding their power or lack thereof, read this story http://www.thebenzbin.com/hotrod.html ...compared even to the 300D turbo models, my TDI feels like she could compete on the NASCAR circuit 
To each his own, but I actually found a legitimate complaint about the Pious. I drove one about a year ago, and was very surprised at how UN-ergonomic it was. I couldn't get used to looking sideways at the speedo, and the steering wheel just plain felt unnatural...and, for tha tmatter, just flat-out sitting in the car didn't feel "right". I think part of that had to do with the windshield being so far away from the driver...made me feel like I was trying to drive from the back seat
Even if I wasn't opposed to hybrids in principle, I wouldn't touch one with a 10' pole. But, that's just me
