Point 1: Cant compare it to Vitz as I havnt owned any vitz
Point 2: Its mileage within city for short tours is infact 9kmpl. 10, 11 is an exaggeration. Depends on your fuel and driving style. But you cant be hypermilling all the time. You'll deplete the fun. or even usual driving experience if you try to save more fuel.
However, for people travelling 30~40kms + each day on msotly staright roads (Like Lahore Canal) can experience upto 10.5~11kmpl
Point 3: Yes the acceleration below 2400 rpm is bad. It pulls once above fairly. Even better than manual in some cases.
WHY even with same engine?? (Tranny is different - AUTO remember!!)
Reasons: Factors like poor fuel, DBW lag, decoupled TC lockup in lower speeds and reduced torque with VTEC off (although its supposed to behave opposite - increase torque)
For more information, please visit following
https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/engine-transmission-powertrain/199726-dbw-lag-kickdown-delay-vtec