You should check out the new lexus CT hatchback! ;) BEAUTIFUL.
I love hatchbacks!!! It's not a huge car or minivan, but you still have tons of space with that "5th door". I used to drive a Mazda 3 sport hatchback and everyone loved that car!! I still miss it until this day! It was also very reliable. It still had features of a sports car but I had everything else I needed with it too. I would absolutely recommend something similar
You should look into the vw jetta wagon. It comes in a TDI version which is clean diesel. I drive the TDI Golf and I love it! If you do a lot of driving then seriously diesel is the way to go. I've owned several different cars over the years from Chevy, Ford, Toyota - but this is the first time I have a car that I absolutely love and adore. The Golf will be too small for a family of 4 but the Jetta Wagon would be really good. You should look into it!