1, There many forums online dedicated to the suzuki swift that have inexhaustible knowledge, from MAF sensors to engine swaps. Try teamswift.net or swiftowners.co.uk. Very large forums.
2, in the local market, we have the dx and dlx. In essence, the swift is closest to its Japanese cousin, with an m13a under the hood. The model number is the same everywhere, SF-413 I guess, not sure. The only glaring difference is the raised front, the local swift is raised from the front to make it easier to drive over khadday and speedbreakers.
3, I often say this, and I say it again, "how good a car is" is purely subjective. You like it, its good. You don't, not good.
That being said, there are lots of Swifts autocrossing around and I've heard often of one winning or getting in the top 3.
Sent from my GT-I9300