Between 1976 and 1997, a rebadged version of the Caravan sold as the Nissan Homy, which was introduced as an independent model in 1965.

[1] All generations use a cabover approach to maximize interior space while remaining within defined exterior dimensions.

The E20 series Caravan and Urvan van and minibus were manufactured from February 1973 with seating configurations for three, five, seven, and up to 10 passengers.

In export markets the first and second generations were called Datsun Urvan, until the Nissan brand replaced it worldwide in 1983 and 1984.

In 1978, Nissan added the smaller Vanette as the Caravan grew in dimensions and market positioning.

In South Africa the second generation E20 was made all the way to 1996 with 77,000 units sold, it received a few upgrades including redesigned bumpers from 1984 and square headlights, 5-speed gearbox and the H20 engine was replaced by an L18 motor with twin Hitachi carburetors from 1981 till final production in 1996.

[citation needed] The second generation Homy was a rebadged Caravan sold through Nissan Prince Stores; there were no mechanical differences between the two.

[7] As before, the Homy, sold through Prince dealerships, was its twin model, set apart by a different grille.

The Cabstar and Homer shared much of the bodywork, with the main differences being the frontal treatment and a small side window mounted in the front doors of the Caravan/Homy.

Engines were all carryover four-cylinders, ranging from the J16 and H20 pushrod items, via the overhead cam Z20S, and an upgraded SD22 diesel.

The diesel also benefitted from a new five-speed manual gearbox, while the new luxury GL version offered an optional "Nissanmatic" automatic transmission as well as power steering, comfortable rotating rear seats and air conditioning.

In May 1982, the Caravan underwent a minor facelift, losing the ventilation window in the front doors, receiving a new dashboard and a new five-bearing SD23 diesel engine replacing the previous SD22.

To meet the 1981 emissions standards for petrol cars, coach versions replaced the H20 engine with the new carbureted Z18S and 105 PS (77 kW) Z20S.

Originally, petrol-equipped Caravans had the Z20 engine while commercial diesels had the 2.3-liter, naturally aspirated TD23 and the Coach (passenger version) the LD20T II turbo-diesel.

The large QD32 four-cylinder diesel was added to automatic-equipped van models in 1996; it produces 100 PS (74 kW) from 3153 cc.

Yearly grade changes continued for the rest of the generation, adding items like cruise control, digital speedometers, larger wheels, upgraded interior and upholstery.

The Homy badge, first used in 1965, remained in use for commercial models until it, too, was cancelled in June 1999 as the Homy/Caravan lineups were merged.

[10] According to the "Regulations on Beijing Road Traffic Management" and the "Regulations on the Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution," such vehicles still in service are not allowed to enter Beijing after 10 May 2001 as part of an effort to combat air pollution.

It is offered in five models: the base-grade 3-seater Cargo, the base-line 15-seater and 18-seater Standard, the mid-range 12-seater, and the high-end 10-seater Super Elite.

[19][20] On 11 September 2013, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd reached a basic agreement regarding original equipment manufacturer supply of finished commercial vans for export, whereby Nissan would supply NV350 Urvans to be sold as the Fuso Canter Van[21] in the Middle East from 2014.

High-trim variants also get automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and copper accents on the air-conditioning vents.

The second facelift Caravan also comes with the latest version of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite of technology.