You want your new car to perform well – that goes without saying. However, performance means different things to different people. Perhaps most typically, people think of performance as being to do with a fast racing car that will go from 0-60 in a couple of seconds. But it could also mean a car that is reliable, or a car that will continue to work well in all weather conditions.
It may be tempting to get a car that has a large engine and that will roar into action. This will give you good performance in terms of speed and power. Do just remember that a 2+ litre engine is going to cost a lot more to run, and it will be much worse for the environment.
Choosing a car is always a balance. Getting the right mix of performance and affordability is essential, and it will be different for everyone depending on driving needs.