Mycarcheck.com’s used car of the month is the Mazda CX-5. Vehicle valuation manager at mycarcheck.com, Jon Wheeler, said: “With its large boot, comfortable ride and reputation for reliability, the Mazda CX-5 makes great sense as a used family car.

Even though some may hesitate to be driving a vehicle with a big 2.2 diesel engine like the Mazda CX-5, Mazda’s SkyActiv technology makes it surprisingly frugal. For years now, the market’s fastest growing segment has been that for Qashqai-like Crossovers and compact soft-roading SUVs. If you want a used car that offers the best of both and offers fine driving dynamics, low running costs, practical space and decent value, then it’s hard to ignore the Mazda’s CX-5.

The cabin isn’t as obviously ‘styled’ as some of its main rivals but the piano black inserts and chrome splashes look good in a low-key kind of way. The materials quality is especially impressive on the upper dashboard. There are certainly plenty of switches - 55 in all, not counting the chunky column stalks - but it’s pretty easy to adjust to the way everything works. Ergonomically, it’s all pretty sound.

As the driver, you’re faced by a hooded binnacle which houses three circular dials, ahead of a lovely chunky three-spoke multi-function leather-trimmed wheel. The 5.8-inch infotainment touch screen is fairly easy to figure out, with the menus able to be accessed by the BMW iDrive-style Mazda Multimedia Commander control located between the front seats. Once you’re familiar with the system, this is quicker and safer than jabbing at the touch screen when the vehicle’s on the move.

Although this model doesn’t offer a seven seat option, in the back the rear bench is one of the most accommodating in the class, offering more space in fact than Mazda’s supposedly larger CX-7 model. Head and legroom is relatively generous, with space to stretch out aided by the fact that back seat occupants can get their feet under the front seats. As in all vehicles of this type, the middle perch is the short straw, but even here, you’ll be better off than you would be in most of this car’s rivals thanks to a comfy seat back and a low-set transmission tunnel.

As to the overall market trend, Wheeler said: “Given recent tragedies, the general election and now a heatwave, thoughts of a new car haven’t been a priority for most. That said, dealerships continue to report strong demand for good used cars. Shop around and, with a cheeky offer, there are bargains to be had.”