ETTO - I wouldn't buy an R32 to be exclusive. To the uninitiated, it's still just a Golf. I was dead set on getting one myself, but then started running the numbers and the GTi is better is almost every respect: tuning, handling, power-to-weight, transmission losses, insurance, economy, VED band, looks, heritage etc etc. I agree the noise is one of the best exhuast notes ever, but that just isn't enough to swing it for me. This is by no means a criticism of those that do have them - it's just too expensive for me and I prefer the way the GTi looks and drives.
Why are the old cars banded differently - are they running an older engine? Old Mk4/Mk5 R32's as follows:
VED for 2008-09: £210
VED for 2009-10: £215
VED for 2010-11: £245