Nissan Caravan

Nissan Caravan
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan Nissan Shatai
Production	1973–present (Nissan Caravan) 1965–1997 (Nissan Homy)
Layout	FR layout

The Nissan Caravan is a van designed by Nissan for use as a fleet vehicle or cargo van since 1973. Between 1976 and 1997, a rebadged version of the Caravan sold as the Nissan Homy, which was introduced as an independent model in 1965. Outside Japan, the Caravan was sold as either Nissan Urvan, Nissan King Van, or Nissan Homy.

Prior to 1973, the Caravan's twin, the Homy had been offered as a standalone generation from 1965 until 1976. The Homy was built and sold by the Prince Motor Company before the merger of Nissan in 1965 and the Homy was the first vehicle to be acquired by Nissan. After the merger in August 1966, the Prince Homy name was changed to Nissan. The merger was complete by 1970. It shared a chassis with the Prince Homer, a small pickup truck. The second generation Homy of 1976, was marketed as a twin to the 1973-era Nissan Caravan, sold at the Nissan Prince dealerships. The first generation series B640 which was changed to Nissan series T20 was built from 1965 to 1976, the second generation E20 was built from 1976 to 1980, and the third generation E23 was built from 1980 to 1986. The final generation E24 was built from 1986 to 1999, and replaced by the Nissan Elgrand. Mechanically, the Nissan Caravan and the Nissan Homy were identical. Its traditional competitor from Toyota is the HiAce.

B640 (1965–1976)

First generation Nissan Prince Homy (Thailand), sold as Nissan Homer

The Prince Homy (B640) had a seating capacity of up to 15 people. In 1966 as the Prince-Nissan merger began, it was initially called the Nissan Homy Prince, and the Prince name disappeared in 1970. The Nissan Homy received the T20 model code. In 1972, the vehicle was reclassified as a commercial vehicle, in order to comply with the 1970 Japanese road traffic law. Nissan did not have a companion vehicle for the Homy, so from 1973 the Homy was also available rebadged as the Nissan Caravan.

E20, E21, E22 (1973–1980)

First generation (E20)
Overview
Also called	Datsun Urvan Nissan Homy
Production	1973–1980
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door van 4-door van
Powertrain
Engine	1483 cc J15 I4 (SE20) 1982 cc H20 I4 (PE20) 2164 cc SD22 diesel I4 (RE20)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,350 mm (93 in) 2,730 mm (107 in)

Nissan Caravan (E20)

Nissan Homy (E20)

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. It was exclusive in Japan to Nissan Bluebird Store, while its twin the Nissan Homy was exclusive to Nissan Prince Store locations. It was especially popular in Europe, and was again very popular with fire departments and as ambulances in certain countries. It had a somewhat difficult handling, as it was heavy to steer, and was not available with power steering. Also, the gear shifter was located at the floor and went all the way up to the height of the hand, and had a slight curve. The gear shifter was nearly 80 cm (2.6 ft) long, so it was somewhat clumsy to shift, but it came with five gears, unusual in Europe at that time. It was delivered with a 1.5- and 2.0-liter petrol engines, as well as a 2.2-liter diesel unit. It was produced until replaced by the E23 Caravan in August 1980.

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

Nissan Homy

The second generation was essentially a cosmetic update with no major mechanical changes. The model code changed to E20.

E23 (1980–1986)

Second generation (E23)
Nissan Caravan (E23) LWB
Overview
Also called	Datsun Caravan/Urvan (until 1983) Nissan Homy Nissan Urvan Yue Loong Homer 747 (Taiwan)
Production	August 1980 – 1986
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door van 5-door van/coach
Related	Nissan Atlas Nissan Cabstar
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L J16 OHV I4 1.8 L Z18S I4 2.0 L H20 OHV I4 2.0 L Z20S I4 2.0 L LD20T turbodiesel I4 2.2 L SD22 diesel I4 2.3 L SD23 diesel I4

1985 Nissan Urvan (E23) SWB (Australia)

Nissan Homy (E23) LWB

The second generation Nissan Urvan/Caravan, the E23 series, was introduced in August 1980.^[1] 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 van versions were now designed to allow access to the loading area from the passenger compartment. Radial tires were optional. 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 July 1981, a luxurious SGL "Silk Road" version was added.

At the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show, two concept Caravans designed to provide limousine-like accommodation for businessmen were shown, the Royal and Elgrand Royal Line. The Elgrand name was to be adopted for a series of luxurious minivans, beginning in 1997. 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.^[1] Radial tires became standard for all but the cheapest versions. For more power, coach versions also became available with the turbocharged LD20T diesel. The luxurious "Silk Road" version, with seven captain seats, was only available with the LD20T. This engine passed the 1982 emissions standards for diesel cars. 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.

In April 1983 there was another light facelift, with SGL and GL versions receiving a new look with four square headlights.^[1] An LWB DX ten-seater version was also added. In January 1985, six and nine-passenger van versions were added. Diesel versions received improved pre-heating systems and safety equipment was improved. Manual petrol versions were now all five-speed units. An eight-seater "SGL Silk Road Limited" also joined the lineup in May. In September 1986, the E23 was replaced by the third generation E24.^[1]

Nissan Homy

The Homy and its Caravan twin received their first full model change since the Homy was introduced in 1965. The engine was the 2.0-liter inline-four LD20T turbo diesel. The TD23 inline-four was also available.

E24 (1986–2015)

Third generation (E24)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Homy Nissan Urvan Nissan Urvan Escapade Nissan Urvan Shuttle Nissan Caravan Homy Isuzu Fargo
Production	1986–present 2001–2015 (Philippines)
Assembly	Kenya: Thika
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door van 4-door van
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L TD23 diesel I4 2.5  TD25 diesel I4 2.7 L TD27 diesel I4 2.7 L TD27T1 turbodiesel I4 3.2 L QD32 diesel I4 2.4 L KA24DE petrol I4 3.0 L VG30E petrol V6 Petrol 4.5liter v8 commercial use only

The E24 version was built from 1986 until 2001 and underwent two major facelifts. In some Scandinavian markets, the E24 series was marketed as the "King Van", to tie it in with the popular "King Cab" version of Nissan's D21 pickup truck. The large QD32 four-cylinder diesel was added in 1996 and produced 100 PS (74 kW) from 3,153 cc.

In Kenya, the Nissan E24 is still manufactured by the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers in Thika as of 2016.^[2]

Nissan Homy The Homy received its second full model change in September 1986 and was given the 2.0-liter Z20 engine, as well as the LD20T turbodiesel. The model code was now E24. In October 1987, four-wheel drive was added to the 2.7-liter TD27 engine. In March 1988, the premium grade "GT Limousine" was offered with the VG30E alongside the 2.7-liter turbodiesel. Yearly grade changes continued for the rest of the generation, adding items like cruise control, digital speedometers, larger wheels, upgraded interior and upholstery. August 1995 saw the Homy rebadged and sold as the Isuzu Fargo, using the TD27ETi diesel engine. The Homy was replaced by the Nissan Elgrand in 1997.

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  E24 Caravan (middle version)
• 
  E24 Caravan wagon (late version)
• 
  Nissan Homy (E24)
• 
  Nissan Urvan Cargo SWB (E24)
• 
  Nissan Urvan Cargo SWB (E24)

E25 (2001–2012)

Fourth generation (E25)
Nissan Caravan (pre-facelift)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Urvan Nissan Urvan Estate Isuzu Como
Production	2001–2012 2004–2013 (Philippines)
Assembly	Kanagawa, Japan Zhongji Company, Luanda, Angola Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (TCMA)
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door van 4-door van
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L I4 (gasoline) 2.4 L I4 (gasoline) 2.5 L I4 (gasoline) 3.0 L ZD30DD I4 (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Length	Pre-facelift: 4,990 mm (196.5 in) Facelift: 4,995 mm (196.7 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in) 1,990 mm (78.3 in)
Height	1,990 mm (78.3 in) 2,285 mm (90.0 in)
Chronology
Successor	Nissan NV (Mexico) Nissan NV350 Caravan (Japan)

Nissan produced the E25 series from April 2001 to 2012. It was also sold as the Isuzu Como on the Japanese market, replacing the last generation Isuzu Fargo which was a rebadged version of the E24 Caravan. The New Zealand Urvan received a one-star rating on the ANCAP crash test.^[3]

For Mexico, the only North American country for full-size Nissan vans, 2010 was the last year for this generation, as the US-built Nissan NV replaces it.^[4]

• 
  Nissan Caravan (pre-facelift)
• 
  Nissan Caravan (facelift)
• 
  Nissan Caravan (facelift)
• 
  Isuzu Como (pre-facelift)
• 
  Isuzu Como (facelift)

NV350 (2012–present)

Nissan NV350 Caravan (E26)
Overview
Also called	Nissan NV350 Urvan Isuzu Como Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Van
Production	2012–present
Assembly	Japan: Kanda, Fukuoka, Kyushu (Nissan Shatai)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door van
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L YD25DDTi engine 2.0 L QR20DE engine 2.5 L QR25DE engine
Transmission	5-speed Automatic 5-speed Manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	SWB: 2,555 mm (100.6 in) LWB: 2,940 mm (115.7 in)
Length	SWB: 4,695 mm (184.8 in) LWB: 5,080 mm (200.0 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	Low roof: 1,990 mm (78.3 in) High roof: 2,285 mm (90.0 in)

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, a replacement of the Nissan Caravan, called the NV350 Caravan was premiered. It went on sale this 15 June 2012 with diesel engine and super long body variants will went on sale beginning 13 July 2012, and the wide version model arrived in winter 2012. The new NV350 Caravan comes with the all new YD25DDTi engine with clean diesel technology. Most petrol engines take advantage of its fuel saving technology for class leading fuel economy, for example the QR20DE. Those engines achieved either a 10 or 5 percent improvement in fuel economy over Japan's 2015 fuel economy standard. The NV350 Caravan continues to be sold as the Isuzu Como on the Japanese market as well.^[5]

In the Philippines, the NV350 Caravan (E26) was introduced on 11 June 2015 and known as the NV350 Urvan. The new NV350 Urvan imported from Japan instead of being assembled locally.

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, where Nissan would supply NV350 Urvan to Mitsubishi Fuso Van.^[6] Two versions are offered, the van and microbus.^[7][8]

Nissan NV350 Urvan  Interior  2014 Isuzu Como  Isuzu Como (wide body)

References

1. Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 11, '80s Japanese Cars (in Japanese). Tokyo: Nigensha. 2007. p. 141. ISBN 978-4-544-91018-6.
2. "Ambulance". Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016.
3. "Nissan Urvan (E25)". Australasian New Car Assessment Program. Archived from the original on 2 June 2014.
4. Gluckman, David (10 March 2010). "2011 Nissan NV1500 / NV2500 HD / NV3500 HD – Car News". Car and Driver. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
5. "Nissan Releases All-New NV350 Caravan" (Press release). Nissan. 15 June 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
6. "Mitsubishi Fuso and Nissan Agree on Van OEM Supply for Export" (Press release). Nissan. 11 September 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
7. "Canter Van (van)". Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015.
8. "Canter Van (microbus)". Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015.

External links

• Official Nissan NV350 website (Japanese)