Thursday, January 29, 2026 by Mthobisi Buthelezi

 

This week, My Car and I features Phumlani Kunene from Mangwaneni, Mbabane, a proud car enthusiast with a ride that turns heads and stirs curiosity.

His beloved machine? A Toyota Corolla AE92, affectionately named Bhantom.

Bhantom isn’t your average Corolla. It’s a Kentucky Rounder 16-valve 1.6 fuel injection model, but what truly sets it apart is what lies under the hood. “The car runs on a 1.6 Rxi 20v engine with an individual throttle body silvertop cylinder head powered by Yamaha, banana branches and a 5-speed manual gearbox,” Phumlani shared with pride.

The name Bhantom, he explains, comes from its unique multicolour body. “The car is like a donkey with many colours, grey, white, black, same as a donkey. No one knows the real colour of the donkey,” he laughed. With that playful spirit, Phumlani has embraced Bhantom’s distinctive appearance as a symbol of uniqueness.

Phumlani bought the car in 2021, and after four years of ownership, his love for it has only grown stronger.

 “The reason why I love my car is that the engine is small and it revs my heart. It can show you flames. It’s very fast, a fuel saver and a very reliable car,” he said.

When it comes to style, Phumlani believes Bhantom is unmatched. “I think I’m the only one in Eswatini with this type of colour,” he declared confidently, claiming his bragging rights on the streets of Mbabane.

For Phumlani, Bhantom is more than a car, it’s a loyal companion, a performance beast and a bold statement of individuality.

Whether it’s the engine’s roar or the colours that confuse, one thing is certain: Bhantom has earned its place in the spotlight.

Got a car with personality?

Tell us your story and you could be our next featured driver!

 Call or WhatsApp 7936 3694 now.

Phumlani Kunene with his Toyota Corolla AE92 Kentucky Rounder 16-valve 1.6 fuel injection model. (Courtesy pics)