Got the Nokians on today. $661 all in, and I'll get a $70 prepaid visa in a few weeks ($591 effective price).
Initial impressions are very, very favourable. They feel smoother/more comfortable than the Bridgestone Turanza OEM tires, about on par with the WS80S!! Handing is superb - direct steering, minor but negligible weight increase, and high speed tracking is straight, unlike the Blizzaks on the highway.
Noise level is lower than the OEM, but it's not a silent tire. I.E. noisier than the WS80s at low speed (MUCH quieter at highway speeds though). The Mazda 3 is not a well-sound insulated car any way. A decibel meter app suggested 76-77dB vs 80-81 with the OEM tires on the way to KalTire.
Overall, I'm ecstatic. Time will tell how quickly they wear, but I have no doubt that these tires are a UHP and have higher limits than the Mazda 3's stock suspension would allow in any event. A perfect match, and at least $200 cheaper than the Michelins.