Yes. I remember your post. And I know how unsatisfied you were. However my fathers colleagues have bought auto swifts and have been using them for quite some time without any problems. They had JDM's before that and they had problems.
For me, I don't mind a sluggish car as long as it's auto and I've to drive it in the city at speeds below 80 km/hr.
On the first drive yesterday, I found it to be quite similar to the manual but that was at speeds up to 60 - 70 km/hr. Maybe I wasn't accelerating hard. But I'm sure it's acceleration will be more than a 660cc 4 speed auto JDM (if I was satisfied with that, I'm sure this won't disappoint either)
As far as hi octane is concerned, I haven't heard that it's necessary. My fathers colleagues have been using normal fuel and it gives them reasonable mileage. I don't see the point of hi octane in this car anyway. It's the same engine as the 2010 swift and we have been using normal fuel.
However I shall keep your points in mind and post any problems I face here.
Ps: I shared your opinion about this car when we were thinking of buying it but my family friends thought otherwise. I know you would not complain unnecessarily and was quite convinced I shall face the same problems as well. Let's see and hope I don't have the same issues.