The modern-age Passats, which first arrived in South Africa in 1999, never hit a chord with local buyers.
Perhaps it's because we still associate the nameplate with those rudimentary (and now rusty) sedans and wagons that were popular here in the '70s and '80s or the fact that buyers with enough moolah for a large sedan now prioritise badge snobbery over space, hence the continued popularity of 3 Series and friends.
Despite this, Volkswagen is not giving up on its Passat and now there's a new one on the block. Yet despite VW claiming that every single body panel barring the roof is new, the side profile looks identical - the only big visual differences being the new front and rear ends, the former adopting VW's latest corporate face.
While nothing to get excited about in the looks department, the big VeeDub has a more confident chiselled look to it now and gone is that big smiley slab of chrome that made its predecessor appear quite awkward.
Changes have also been made beneath the skin, even down to the thicker glass and improved sound deadening that keeps noise out of the cabin.
While the dashboard doesn't look any different, it does gain new dials, trim finishes and an analogue clock, while the cabin also gets subtle chrome highlights and new seats.
The engine line-up has been cut down to just two units, a petrol and a diesel. The familiar 1.8-litre turbopetrol soldiers on, outputs remaining at 118kW at 5000rpm and 250Nm from 1500rpm.
With VW claiming it'll sprint to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach 220km/h, this is no ball of fire but it's the perfect partner for a sedan like the Passat and makes more sense than the fairly sluggish naturally aspirated Hyundai Sonata 2.4 at altitude.
What's more, VW Claims it'll sip just 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle in six-speed manual form and 7.0 l/100km when paired with the DSG dual-clutch 'box.
VW also offers a 2-litre TDI turbodiesel, this commonrail engine having been revised to reduce internal friction. It puts out 103kW at 4200rpm and 320Nm between 1750 and 2500rpm and is also available with either manual or DSG transmission, respectively sipping 5.6 l/100km or 6.4 l/100km on the combined cycle.
A bit more sluggish off the mark, however, this one should get from 0-100km/h in 9.8 seconds and eventually reach 210km/h.
While the new Passat's underpinnings haven't changed much, the suspension has been modified slightly and VW has thrown in the latest version of its ESP stability system, which also has a trailer stabilisation function.
An interesting safety innovation (just in case this new Passat is not interesting enough to keep you awake) is the fatigue detection system. It constantly compares the driving style with the driver's first 15 minutes behind the wheel and treats the supposed slumber-head to a five-second acoustic whine when deemed necessary.
THE RANGE:
1.8 TSI Comfortline - R294 000
1.8 TSI Comfortline DSG - R309 000
2.0 TDI Comfortline - R309 500
2.0 TDI Comfortline DSG - R324 500
Standard features include dual-zone Climatronic air conditioning, electric parking brake with hill hold, electric windows, an eight-speaker CD/MP3 player with Aux socket and 'Nardo' fabric seats with an active climate control system.
Naturally, there's whole closet full of expensive toys to be had if you like indulging in the options list.
Standard safety kit comprises ABS, ESP and whiplash-enhanced front headrests as well as front, side and curtain airbags (the latter also serving rear passengers).
Prices also include a three-year/120 000km warranty and a five-year/100 000km 'Automotion' plan.