Just had my new 57 plate VRS taxed under the new tax rates. I was under the impression from my dealer that it was in the H band, so expecting around 180 for 12 months. Turns out though that it's in J, so was stung for 235 quid.

Looking at the Parker's guide, it seems there are 2 types of VRS, one H and one J. My V5 states CO2 emmissions of 188, putting it in the J band, but according tothis it should be only 175 g/km and band H.

Can anyone shed any light on why what appears to be the same car has such markedly different emmissions??

The MkII vRS has had two different petrol engines. They are very similar in displacement, power and name - so it's easy to get confused, but they are quite different.

If your car was built mid 2009-present, it's a TSI, it's band H.

If your car was built before mid-2009, it's a TFSI, which is band J.

If your car is a 57 plate, it should be a TFSI, which is backed up by the fact you have been charged the higher rate of tax.

Sorry buddy, but it sounds like the dealer might have got confused and was quoting rates for the newer engine?

Oh and here is the correct page on Parkers for your engine:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/road-tax/?deriv=32904#manu=10172&model=1437&deriv=32904

Thanks for the info. It is a bit confusing seeing as the info on Parkers for both cars is exactly the same.