Completely out of left field but have you looked at the Toyota Caldina (check CarSales). In "N" form they have 4WD, Tiptronic shift, TRD suspension, 4 doors, Recaro  seats, but the big plus is the engine. Beams version of the 3SGTE. Grey import of course but you can pick them up for about $15k for a good one.

tralfaz
Completely out of left field but have you looked at the Toyota Caldina (check CarSales). In "N" form they have 4WD, Tiptronic shift, TRD suspension, 4 doors, Recaro  seats, but the big plus is the engine. Beams version of the 3SGTE. Grey import of course but you can pick them up for about $15k for a good one.

And if the Toyota party wagon doesn't light your fire, you have the Mitsubishi Legnum and Nissan Stagea as other alternatives.

I'd rather have a Liberty Wagon than a Legnum, even though I know the mitsubishi engines are much more capable, apparently the Legnums just don't handle quite as nice.
 
Skyline front end converted Stagea would be awesome. I've been in a midly modded R34 GT-T Auto, the 4 speed + overdrive with tiptronic shift was awesome for pulling hard.

Ah, I totally forgot the 'baru party wagon... Also another option :)

how about the Toyota Aurion, also comes in the TRD version But hard to find. locally delivered has everything you asked for Bar the handling side, and will be cheaper to insure as well, cosniderign your wife will be drivign mostly i think it will be perfect
otherwise mayeb a newer Model Caldina wagon.
2010-2011 Subaru wagons
or the newer model stageas
 
cheers

Aurion interior quality ain't as nice as the Liberty, they are FWD and a little numb on the handling side. Difference in weight despite the extra power doesn't translate into a faster car either.
 
GT wagons are locally delivered too, insurance is cheap because they've been 5 star ancap since 2003. Even despite the turbo they are fairly reasonable running costs, services are higher than an NA but not a lot, and fuel usage is still well under 10L/100km once you adjust your driving style to suit them; you can keep revs relatively high but as long as you're light on throttle, they are very frugal and power is immediately available.
 
Caldina is nice but the ST215 is more on par with gen3 liberties rather than gen4, ST246's seem nice but their styling is very much for the eye of the beholder, I think they're nice though.
 
I still say avoid a family hauler unless you want comfort and tons of space. RWD Super saloon's VIP style are much cooler and just as comfy.

Get your wife a nice luxury car to drive. Quiet, safe and smooth when on the move.
Not some thrashed jap performance sedan/wagon :)

Damn right Stuka. The Bub's usually in the Legnum or Lexus (250/350). I do honestly feel safe & assured driving around with 4wd & ayc assistance if required (esp in the rain). The Lexus' have really good stability control too & max 5star safety rating.

Btw, Caldinas aren't very roomy (similar to a hatch imo) & the ST246 4spd is a fail. ST215 is too ugly for most women to approve.

Legnums are excellent & cheap. Stags aren't the best looking things on the road & drink.

really couldn't fault Liberty wagons but they're just not for me.

Honestly I've been down this road and the Legnum smashes them all bar an Evo. Soo much cheaper more capable too