Noted minivan fanatic here. There is nothing better for moving a lot of people and their **** for long distances. Although wagons are cool, I also love wagons, and it's sad that they were largely displaced by SUVs in this country. I went from wagon to minivan, though, and there's no going back. The minivan is just infinitely more useful.
That being said, Gregor doesn't want one, and I totally get that. To each their own. Also, the Honda minivan I bought new in 2012 is to this day the most unreliable vehicle I've ever owned. Keeping this short to avoid a thread-jack, but engine rebuild and both CV joints shot at 36K, another engine rebuild for a different problem at 60K. Third engine rebuild at 60K because they got the second wrong. Then absolutely terrible (and sarcastic) treatment by American Honda when I proposed what I thought was a pretty reasonable compromise for dealing with what was obviously a lemon. Have talked to another owner of the same generation Odyssey, and she's now having the exact same problems.
Traded the Honda in on a Pacifica Hybrid, and I'm really happy. Sips fuel (when it uses any) and is better in every way. And it's not a Honda. I'm done with them.
Now, getting back to the regularly scheduled program, Gregor, why a wagon if you're keeping the van? If the goal is sporty and fun, wouldn't anything with a back seat for the kids do? Would really open up your options.
We’ll see if it survives my last (16yo boy) 
. They're asking less than $10K for one near Marysville WA.
