Thierry Neuville has survived a dramatic final day to win Rally Australia, securing second place overall in the World Rally Championship in the process.

The Belgian held a comfortable 14.7 second lead heading into the final stage in Coffs Harbour, on the NSW north coast.

But the Hyundai driver was forced into action when his door swung open mid-stage, Neuville able to slam it shut as he approached a corner.

The moment of madness capped another eventful day in the WRC season finale, with second-placed Jari-Matti Latvala crashing out just seconds before completing the rally.

That allowed New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon to sneak into third, while Ott Tanak was 22.5 seconds adrift of Neuville in second.

Sebastien Ogier was fourth, but the result was largely irrelevant given he was assured his fifth world title ahead of the Australian leg.