The 215 are honestly worth it in my opinion having bought them for the nc. Slightly wider, slightly bigger sidewall filling out the arch a little better, better rim protection and should be a little more comfortable. I changed sizes and brands at the same time so can’t comment apples to apples, None of these will be ‘a revelation’ but the benefits should be noticeable.
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My NC1 is on 215/47/17 ecosport2 from Imperial. Eco+sport 
Last week I had it checked out by an MX5 specialist and he adviced Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in size 205/45/17 and a little more aggresivve alignment for improved and more responsive handling.
Current tires are not that great, but were brandnew when I bought the car a year ago. Difficult decision…
I have an ND 2.0 MX5 on nearly new Bridgestone tyres that came with the car. I love how the car handles and grips, is it really worth the expense of changing them or is it better to try something different when they need changing?
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In my opinion, totally no. I also feel the same way as you do, and I’ll be getting new ones soon. So my question is do I stick with what I really like, and have worn well, or plump for something on the premise that the grass is then bound to be greener?
205/45/R17 84W Bridgeton Potenza s001 again for me 
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I went from PS4 to AS6 on my ND. I get more feedback and it is more predictable.
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There’s your answer. People normally change tyre brands because they don’t like how the car handles on what they have or are looking for different handling characteristics.
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I know this isn’t an answer to your question, but perhaps useful. I ran Avon ZV7s on my track car (they use them as the control tyre in some mx5 race series), they were great in both wet and dry, lasted well and probably half the price of the tyres you mentioned. Well worth considering.
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Anyone considering using the 215/45x17 option should bear in mind that the Michelin PS5s are only available in XL(extra load) rating which is probably stiffer and heavier than necessary as they are made to cover the dreaded SUV market as well.
The Goodyear and Continental latest sport variants are ,I believe, two of the few available in the normal rating
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It is also worth noting that “normal” 215 tyres are 87 load rating which is already above the 84 rating of the “standard” tyre. Mazda fitted 205 tyres in 88 rating to NC cars in the final months of production of that car anyway.
It is also worth noting that the wider tyre has a taller sidewall, less stretch on the standard rim and a larger air volume and that many, many people who have fitted 215 width to their cars are not complaining.
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After all your comments and advice, I am going to stick to what I know and not try a voyage into the unknown that I may not be happy with.
At the risk of opening up a can of worms however… What benefits (or drawbacks) are there in going to a 215 instead of 205 from a handling pov?
215 vs 205 is marginal difference, the increase in width is under 5% and sidewall height even less. Theoretically:
Pros:
- More grip as the contact patch is bigger
- Speedometer accuracy improved as rolling circumference increases slightly
- Tad more kerb protection for the alloys
Cons:
- Steering slightly less responsive for low speed turn-in
- Fuel economy reduction as rolling resistance will be higher
For cons, maybe add 1) it isn’t the actual tyre size the car came with, and presumably did extensive tests for/with. Of course counter arguments can ensue, but Mazda didn’t put the 215/45/R17 tyre on the car. If a user does that’s their choice. But it wasn’t Mazda’s/Mazda’s engineer’s choice.
2) Insurance company might not like it
Got 4 F1 asy6 205 fitted Friday to my NC and have done about 200 miles since in dry and (very) wet. Super impressed so far. Feels like a proper sports car now. Running teins. Grip seems amazing, standing water has been good and ride comfort and turn in both excellent. Really pleased - even more than I thought I would be! Costco was about 100 for the tyre and 8 for fitting.
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