Despite a relative lack of enthusiasm from most in the automotive media, Mitsubishi returns its pint-size Mirage hatchback to the marketplace for 2017, after a year’s hiatus. Although this affordable and fuel-efficient 5-passenger 5-door subcompact gets a slew of upgrades to its styling, equipment, and even its power, few reviewers expect the Mirage to dominate its segment.

New and upgraded exterior features on the 2017 Mirage lineup include a new hood design, a new grille, a rear spoiler, and reworked foglights, headlights, and alloy wheels, all of which are blended into what Mitsubishi claims to be a more aerodynamic profile. Combined with an anticipated weight loss, these enhanced aerodynamics should further improve the Mirage’s already-impressive mileage figures.

Inside, look for the 2017 Mirage to boast such upgrades as new seat fabrics, a reworked gauge cluster, and a new steering wheel and shift panel. The available 300-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system is also upgraded for the upcoming year, and the 2017 Mirage will be the first of the Japanese automaker’s products to debut Apple CarPlay and Android Auto telematics and smartphone apps, both operated via a new touchscreen infotainment monitor.

A revised trim lineup is also on tap for the upcoming year’s Mirage, with the returning Mirage SE complemented by the debuting ES and GT. All Mirage trims will again be offered only in the traditional front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration, and cargo capacity is expected at 47 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded.

The traditional 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder (I3) powerplant returns to the 2017 Mirage, but a new roller-type camshaft will, according to Mitsubishi, result in an added 4 hp over the 2015 version, for a tepid 78 total hp. The I3 is mated to either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available continuously variable transmission (CVT) for 74 lb-ft of torque. Mileage estimates are currently unavailable. The 2017 Mirage will also sport optimized springs and enhanced shock absorbers for noticeably improved handling, along with larger brake rotors and upgraded brake pads.

Features will include keyless entry and ignition, full power accessories, and automatic air conditioning, with higher trims again sporting cruise control. Also standard are a tilt-only (and redesigned) steering wheel, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a standard single CD/MP3 player with 4 speakers. Aside from the enhanced Rockford Fosgate premium audio, options on the 2017 Mirage will include a Navigation Package with GPS navigation and a rear-view camera, a Park Assist package with front and rear parking sensors, up-styled exterior accents and added chrome, and extra interior lighting.

Returning standard safety features aboard the 2017 Mirage include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, a remote antitheft alarm, and the reworked front fog/driving lights.

Mitsubishi plans to have its 2017 Mirage in dealer showrooms in the spring of this year, where it will challenge such rivals as the Chevy Spark, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, and Hyundai Accent, all of which tend to offer better refinement and a more exciting drive.