The Beastly 4WD Nissan Pulsar GTi-R Is A Used JDM Hero We Want Badly

With news emerging that Nissan is reviving the Pulsar name , and that a hotter (possibly Nismo-badged) version is on the way, our minds were immediately cast back to the last scorching Pulsar: the GTi-R. This JDM hero of the 90s was absolutely stonking when it was released, and still fast today, with 220bhp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged 'SR20DET' engine. With the power sent to all four wheels, the GTi-R is able to launch from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds, and supplies commendable levels of grip in the corners.

The staid exterior of the standard Pulsar (badged as the Sunny for official UK models) was given a rude boy makeover to match the power. A shelf-like spoiler was added to the boot lid, while the bonnet was treated to one of the most outrageous air intakes ever seen on a production car, to feed the SR20DET's intercooler.

If you fancy owning one of these beastly 90s hot hatchbacks, finding one as standard as possible is advisable. We've nothing against the tuned motors, but a modified car can throw up a lot of unknowns into your car purchase. The vast majority of GTi-Rs we've come across in the classifieds are modified, many with questionable taste, but this 1993 imported model looks to have been left untouched. It even has the Japanese market 110mph speed limit in place, and a handful of factory Nismo trim upgrades.

With so few standard GTi-Rs kicking about, the dealer selling this one has ramped up the asking price considerably, to a fairly substantial £8995. We're not certain it's worth quite that much, but it does look to be in absolutely superb condition, and if it's kept clean and standard, it could be a wise investment. We want it quite badly.