Bottom line up front
Max Power, the 1990s icon of mad mods and booming bass, is more relevant than ever as the tuner scene makes a comeback.
Max Power Magazine: Mad Mods and Thumping Basslines Still Relevant Today
Image: Max Power Magazine: Mad Mods and Thumping Basslines Still Relevant Today – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Back in the ’90s, cheap fiberglass kits turned everyday hatchbacks into eye‑catching beasts. Think a Vauxhall Astra stretched to six feet wide or a Peugeot 306 dressed in wide‑body panels. The magazine’s covers showed these over‑the‑top builds with cheeky headlines – a style that made the mods feel like street‑art.
Performance & Mileage
Power units went wild. Dimma, Carisma and Rieger swapped V8s into Renault Lagunas, while turbo‑charged four‑cylinders kept the revs screaming. The result? 0‑60 times that rivaled genuine supercars, even if fuel‑economy suffered – many of these builds sip under 15 mpg, but the roar and torque make the trade‑off worth it for the community.
Price & Rivals
Modded rides aren’t cheap. A fully bodied, V8‑swapped super‑mini can cost £15‑20k, plus the endless expense of aftermarket parts. Today’s rivals are boutique build‑off magazines and YouTube channels, but none capture the tongue‑in‑cheek vibe that Max Power pioneered.
Typical Max‑Power Build Specs
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| V8 4.6 L (swap) | 12 mpg (combined) | £18,000 |
|
FAQ
What kind of mileage do heavily modded cars get?
Most high‑power builds average between 10‑15 mpg because the engines are tuned for performance, not efficiency.
Are Max Power‑style mods still legal in the UK?
Legality depends on MOT approval and local regulations. Any modification must pass safety checks and emissions standards.
Is it worth buying a classic ‘90s mod car today?
If you love the culture and plan to maintain it, yes – they’re becoming collector’s items and can hold their value well.
What do you think about the revival of mad mods? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
