REFILE-Europe stocks rise 2.1 pct on surge in banks, autos

(Refiles to fix Reuters Instrument code for Volkswagen)

* FTSEurofirst 300 ends 2.06 percent higher

* Banks rally ahead of U.S. housing market rescue bill

* Autos soar on strong results and a fall in oil

By Patrizia Kokot

LONDON, July 23 (Reuters) - European shares ended more than 2 percent higher on Wednesday as banks enjoyed their best day in four months ahead of a vote on a U.S. housing market rescue bill, while autos gained on strong earnings and oil fell.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares closed 2.06 percent higher at 1,188.99 points, after rising as much as 2.3 percent earlier in the session.