1.That's the engine knocking. That is common. All you've to do is downshift, make to the proper rpm and then up shift. As simple as that
2.This is because your steering is Hydraulic assisted. It gives you the feedback of the road. Hydraulic assisted steering's are far more precise than simple electronic one's. Helps you flow around the corner when you're enthusiastic
3.At current situation, i haven't find any solution for this. a DIY would be hard enough to be done and hence settled to go until Honda or some aftermarket one's would come
and about the seat cover's go for the one's which make the cabin feel more airy. Light colors will be hard to maintain since the accumulated dirt will be visible. Better go for any Dark shade's and a small patch of light shade to give the contrast.