From the front the main change is the re-designed chrome bar flanking the logo.
There are also modified air-intakes below the headlights, as well as a wanna-be single-frame grille with its shining stripes, plus a re-shaped black spoiler underneath the front bumper.
However, the most important part is actually not at all to be found at the front of the car!
As can be seen on the pictures of the golden car in our photo gallery, Opel is apparently testing an independent suspension for the rear axle to put it on the same level of safety and comfort as its main rival, the Volkswagen Golf.
We're guessing the current semi-independent suspension will give way for a somewhat more modern system, though we doubt Opel will go all the way to a four-link rear suspension as used in the Golf.
While engines will be the same for the second half of the Astra?s life, we expect a slight upgrade of the interior. The car will go on sale in Europe in the first quarter of next year.