I roll my eyes to the NC out of visual disappointment!
If you take the Euro-spec NC that doesn't have the fugly turn signals on the front of the fender & has the sexy & very functional side markers (in which I believe should be mandatory for all cars) then add the mazdaspeed body kit, lower it & throw on some nice wheels then I love the NC! But the base model shouldn't need all that to look good. IMHO
No The NC is BMW quality especially compared to the cheap plastic in the Solstice.
I'm not stepping on the Miata or its great legacy but I think you are seriously underestimating the GM sisters. Sure GM doesn't make as great of a car as Mazda or Toyota but they do make nice cars and are slowly attempting to improve the quailty...still haven't figured out how to equal 1980's quality imports interior materials though!