Diesel Cars in UK/Europe vs. USA

Since joining this group, I have noted several differences in UK vs. USA car culture. One big difference is the number of diesel engines in use in UK vs. USA. Diesel is not popular here (USA) for passenger cars for a number of reasons - it is more expensive, less gas or petrol stations sell it. I spoke to my wife, an engineer, and she said that the fuel standards and tax here make it more expensive than petrol. However diesel engines are very durable, and the MPG is better than petrol. In fact, in 2016 GM produced a manual transmission diesel hatchback car, the Chevrolet Cruze, that exceeded 50 mpg. Didn't sell very well. In the UK, any hits to your air quality because of the extensive use of diesel engines? I wonder (again) if the USA should reconsider its use of diesel.