nice tyres for MX-5 Mk 2.5?

[Blackpuddin]

Hello all. Our 2004 Arctic 1.8 needs new tyres to replace its old Bridgestone Potenza 195/50 R15s. They're pretty old and feel a bit 'puddingy', the car doesn't seem to be up on its toes like our old Mk 2 did.
What's the general view on good (but not crazy expensive!) replacements? Thanks in advance for any input.

[kostas_miata]

Used to have bridgestone potenza re050a on my old car and changed them for a "cheaper" alternative to hankook ventus v12 evo 2.
Reasonably priced and a lot softer than the potenza with more grip. The potenzas were good but took ages to get them warm and after 3 years they were horrible.

[Blackpuddin]

That sounds about right, my old Potenzas feel very 'square' and the steering is heavy on the 26psi recommended in the handbook.