The new fiat linea is now available for booking I believe and since you've mentioned performance and handling, it has to be TJet all the way! Opt for the highest trim line , comes with all bells and whistles
I have done about 35k+ kms now on my TJet and it is an absolute stunner..
Otherwise you could stretch a lac or so more and opt for Octavia 1.4 TSI.
Happy shopping.