That is what I thought, but read the Times website in more detail and it states that the new rise will only apply to cars in the G band, i.e. ones registered after March last year...I think...someone correct me if I'm wrong here , the article states:

'In his Budget last year the Chancellor created a new top band G of vehicle excise duty for new cars with emissions over 225 grams per kilometre. At £210 a year this was £20 higher than the next band. Those in the band — labeled the Chelsea Tractors — include BMW X5s and Range Rovers. At present there are 225,000 of them.
Mr Brown made plain that the new band was not retrospective and did not apply to 4x4s and other heavily emitting cars bought before last April. They were put into Band F and will remain there.
The Treasury has maintained that the road tax system is structured to allow all drivers the option of choosing a more environmentally friendly vehicle in a lower tax band.'

The reference for this is:

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle1533942.ece

If you want the whole article!!

Cheers,

Dave