VW Polo R and Sebastien Ogier favourite for 2016 WRC

THE 2016 World Rally Championship kicks off this weekend at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, with VW hoping for a fourth straight title with its Polo R WRC racer.

The WRC Polo in the hands of French ace Sebastien Ogier has secured both Drivers' and Constructors' titles in 2013, 14 and 15, and is expecting to defend its titles thanks to improvements for 2016.

The 237kW all-wheel-drive Polo R WRC has scored 34 wins from 39 WRC rallies - making it the most successful rally car of all time.

DUSTY DEMON: World Rally Champ Sebastien Ogier at Rally Australia last year. Trevor Veale

The VW's "gentle evolution" includes subframe and wishbone strengthening, modified engine pistons and for the body a beefier front end.

There are 14 rallies on the WRC calendar for 2016 after a Chinese round was added, with the season coming to a close in November with Rally Australia.

Polo R WRC racers will face competition from the Hyundai i20 WRC, Ford Fiesta RS WRC, Citroen DS3 WRC and Mini John Cooper Works WRC.