It has become something of a norm for automakers to update their vehicles after three or four years into the market, depending on their life span.

The fourth generation of the Opel Astra is nearing that phase as it was introduced in five-door hatchback form at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show with the estate model (called Tourer) following a year later at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and the three-door GTC being presented at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Our spy shooters caught up with a vehicle transporter in Germany loaded with a bunch of new Opel Astras, one of which was a Tourer model with its fascia partially masked in tape.

Upon a closer look, we see that the said Astra Tourer model features a re-sculptured front bumper with larger openings for the side inlets that house new fog lights, and a revised grille with the chrome slabs surrounding the Opel emblem moved towards the center. There are no other visible changes to the vehicle.

While it’s too early to know for sure, it is possible that GM’s European brand may be working on some mild tweaks for the hatchback and estate model that could include subtle interior revisions as well.

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