I got the chance to test drive the new i20 Asta, this model figures midway between the Magna and Asta (O).
I've owned cars from Fiat, Amby, Zen, Santro, Esteem, Swift and currently own the Getz CRDi, so my comments will be in comparison to the above cars only.
Looks though subjective, I would agree with the slogan Uber cool, this car is definitely eye catching, and the best looking car after the Swift in this segment (B, B+). The car definitely looks bigger, longer and wider when compared to all the B, B+ hatches.
Interiors black all over, the integrated music system, USB, ipod connectors are fab, auto aircon is also neatly integrated. The dispay in the center near the front windshield definitely provides useful data to the driver. Front seats adjust manual though. I pushed the seat way back as I am 6 ft 1" tall but had to pull it back a little to get the right position. Steering console is pretty neat, with controls for the music system available. The glow comparment also has a/c vents and lights but its a little out of reach and below the dash, this is probably to accomodate the airbags, the warning chimes for seatbelt, door ajar is good but definitely irritating.
Engine - Very refined, but sluggish (yeh yeh nothing compared to the CRDi Getz), with the aircon on it takes a while to get to 80 kmph, the engine noise doesnt give hte perception that the car is struggling but its not the free revving one like the Swift. Power wise its a big let down. Gears are silky smooth and easy to shift and is well placed and designed. 2nd Gear over the speedbreaker will definitely cut off the engine... so lacks the low end torque which I am used to on my Getz. Never got to take it above 80 kmph as the time it took to get there did not motivate me to go any further and try to push it. Ground clearance is 172 so Bangalore speed breakers would be no issues for this car. The tyres 14 inchers are adequate and rubber 185 is good enough for the car with the 1.2 litre Kappa engine.
Space - oodles of space in the front, no shoulder to shoulder touches possible, Did not notice if it had the armrest in the front, my friends sitting in the rear were comfortable even with the front seats pushed almost to the end so space wise its pretty good, long wheelbase, wider seats but lacks the under thigh support for the rear benchers so it could be trouble for older folks sitting at the rear.
Checked if they would launch the i20 with the Getz diesel engine, but was told a strict no no by the marketing person.
I suggested they shd try the 1.5 CRDi on the i20 Magna and that would work out to the same on road price and a little higher than the current Getz CRDi.
Finally I would definitely buy this car, only if they give the 1.5 CRDi option with 110 horses and not the ones described on this thread

. This car would definitely be a hoot to drive with its wider stance definitely better than the Getz and will definitely be comparable to the Swift (with wider tyres ofcourse) in terms of high speed handling and breaking if we had the CRDi 110 horses monster engine under the hood.
The Prices for the 3 models in Bangalore will be
Model Ex Showroom On-Road
Magna 4,79,900 5,63,751
Asta 5,59,900 6,62,881
Asta (0) 5,81,900 6,88,690
Price Comparison with the Getz GVS CRDi and i20 Magna CRDi will work out to
Getz GVS (1.3P) 4,29,642 5,05,345
GVS (CRDi) 5,43,743 6,43,926
Difference 1,14,101 1,38,581
i20 Magna (1.2P) 4,79,900 5,63,751
i20 Magna (1.5CRDi) 5,94,001 7,02,332 (+ Diff above)
Now thats interesting and I am YES YES for the i20 Magna 1.5 CRDi, 110 horses....smiles all the way