Back in 2000s, the Nissan Pulsar was king
This valve-lift SR16VE example is one of the best
In the mid-2000s, the Nissan Pulsar was the hot hatch to have.
Alongside its very fresh and modern styling, the high-performance models were powered by Nissan’s legendary SR series of engines. Over in Australia, our SSS model received the formidable SR20DE.
However, over in Japan, Nissan stepped things up. Combined with the more desirable and ‘right’ two-door body wheel was a high-compression ‘SR16VE’ engine with Neo Variable Valve Lift.
Similar to Honda’s VTEC system, it enabled the nippy 1.6-litre engine to benefit from two sets of camshaft profiles. The sensation of it crossing cam profiles is a novelty that never fades, and its note is strangely reminiscent of a Honda B-series.
This example was one-of-89 finished in the very 2000s colour of ‘KK0 – Dark Grey Pearl’, which is an awesome gunmetal with a hint of purple.
The Nissan Pulsar VZ-R is a usable and practical modern classic that has enough modernity to work and function reliably, yet still feel “of that time“. Good examples are literally non-existent in Japan nowadays, making it an extremely rare car globally.
The car pictured – 1998 Nissan Pulsar Serie VZ-R
This Nissan Pulsar was built in March 1998 and is a ‘Serie VZ-R’ model.
That makes it a three-door hatchback powered by a ‘SR16VE’ 1.6-litre engine with variable valve lift that produces 130 kW / 161 Nm. Its five-speed manual transaxle features a limited-slip differential (LSD).
Over a total production run of 2,453 examples, only 3.6% – or 89 cars in total – were finished in this colour. Standard features include black and grey sports seats, front fog lights, air conditioning, dual airbags, ABS brakes, power windows, power steering, a pair of cup holders and central locking.
It was factory optioned with a rear tower bar. Aftermarket goodies include a 5Zigen cat-back exhaust, BC racing coilovers, a sweet high-end Pioneer stereo with dolphin graphics, a retrofit Bluetooth kit, a subwoofer and a few other extras.
The vehicle comes with two keys, its owner’s manual, and a small amount of service history. Mechanical repairs conducted include new engine mounts, a new transmission mount, a new alternator, a new distributor and related ignition parts, a new air conditioning compressor, a new clutch cable, and the replacement of numerous engine seals. The engine has no oil leaks, and its steering components are all in great shape.
We have conducted a carVX check which confirms this vehicle’s original odometer. The car is in excellent condition for its age. The vehicle is mostly original and has not been involved in any major accidents or had any major repairs.
The underside is in awesome shape, and there is no rust or corrosion. Its interior presents well for its age; the only major mark is a small tear on the rear section of the armrest on the driver’s side door card. Aside from that, it is excellent inside. The original Nissan dealership floor mats remain in excellent condition.
All functions work, including its air conditioning. Overall, this example is in well above average condition.
Quick facts
- 1998 Nissan Pulsar VZ-R
- 108,619km – genuine
- One of 89 produced in KK0 Grey pearl
- One of 2453 ever produced – rare!
- Original and neat
- One-owner vehicle in Japan
- 1.6-litre SR16VE valve lift engine
- 130 Kilowatts / 161 Nm torque
- Five-speed manual
- Limited-slip differential
- New engine & transmission mounts
- New distributor & ignition parts
- New air conditioning compressor
- New Clutch cable
- Period-correct Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth + rear subwoofer
- 5Zigen cat-back exhaust
- Air conditioning
- Dual airbags
- Price includes six-months NSW registration
- Price includes ‘000-VZR’ custom plates
- Price includes a NSW roadworthy
- CarVX Japanese history report available to view
The SR16VE-equpped Pulsar was designed with to offer optimum driving balance and pleasurePulsar undergoes model change, Nissan Japan, Sep 1997.
