Sebastien Loeb has claimed three successive world titles

The Citroen driver led by 40 seconds overnight and extended his lead to see off Higgins and his Subaru Impreza.

Eugene Donnelly was a further three and a half minutes behind in third as Kevin Lynch crashed out on the penultimate stage while battling for third spot.

Paul Harris, Patrick Elliott and Seamus Leonard completed the top six places.

Leonard took the Group N honours in the 15-stage event which finished on Sunday evening.