Snapped by motor1.com, the prototype features heavy layers of masking and fake panels at the front, with the rear being virtually unchanged and camouflage free apart from the poorly covered blitz badge. No interior images were revealed.

Now under the auspices of PSA, the article claims that the Astra could be powered by an assortment of engines used in some Peugeot, Citroen and DS models, or likely continue with updated General Motors supplied power units and adopt PSA power for the next generation model.

The facelift has also sparked rumours that Opel could bring back the GSI moniker for the Astra following the recent unveiling of the Corsa GSI and Insignia GSI, and after a prototype model was spotted outside what appeared to be the factory gates in September last year.

With no OPC variant planned so far, the GSI will more than likely serve as the flagship model in the Astra range, and come powered by either a 169 kW 1.6-litre turbo mill, the Insignia’s 191 kW 2.0-litre turbo or even the latter’s 154 kW 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel.

As per previous reports, and as a weight saving measure no doubt, the GSI, if fitted with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, will send the available grunt to the front wheels instead of all four, making it a rival for the forthcoming Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI as opposed the more powerful Honda Civic Type R and all-wheel drive Golf R.