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Volkswagen has become the first manufacturer to release an official image of its 2017 World Rally Car.

The illustration of the next generation Polo R WRC was issued by the German manufacturer on Tuesday.

Testing with this car is understood to be imminent, with an initial roll-out being carried out in private.

As expected, the illustration highlights a much greater presence for the all-new Polo, which is 50 millimetres wider than the current car.

Improved performance will come via a 36mm as opposed to 33mm restrictor allied to a car weighing 25 kilos less than this year.

Too fast but not spectacular enough? Concerns over 2017 WRC rules

VW has been testing a modified current specification Polo since last August, running 2017 development parts on all surfaces.

Volkswagen Motorsport director Jost Capito said: "The 2017 WRC regulations include many spectacular technical innovations for the World Rally Championship.

"The World Rally Cars of the future will incorporate all the experience teams have gained in recent years.

"They will be considerably more dynamic, while at the same time being safer.

"As usual, we are working painstakingly on the development of the next generation of the Polo R WRC.

"The key between now and the start of next season is to achieve the best possible prerequisites to allow the 2017 Polo R WRC to be as successful as its two predecessors."

Rival manufacturer Citroen began testing its C3 WRC last weekend, with an initial shakedown completed at Satory in Paris.

Citroen team principal Yves Matton has confirmed to Autosport that the team will move into gravel running immediately. That testing will also be in France and headed up by Kris Meeke.