The first generation was available with a choice of four engines (two petrol and two diesel), five trim levels and either manual or automatic transmission.

The flagship TX trim was equipped with semi leather seats, Michelin 225/45 tires with 17 inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors.

The Kia Cee'd earned a Euro NCAP 5 star safety rating for adult occupants for the pre 2009 model.

[citation needed] The Euro NCAP results also showed that the dashboard can become a threat to the driver and passenger's knees in the event of a front collision, despite having 6 airbags in the car and the Cee'd also scored the maximum available points for the side impact and pole tests.

[citation needed] Making its worldwide premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is the all-new second-generation Cee'd (with internal code JD) which is claimed to be more sophisticated, efficient, refined, better equipped with a more engaging driving experience than the first generation.

The Pro_Cee'd GT is the company's first performance oriented car and the first European style "hot hatch" from a Korean manufacturer.

The engine in the Pro_Cee'd GT is the same as that used in the American market Hyundai Veloster Turbo, but different gear ratios and more aggressive suspension have been used.

[citation needed] The suspension in the GT has been modified over the standard Pro_Cee'd, giving a far more agile and sporting ride.

The rear bumper now includes a splitter and twin exhausts, whilst the front introduces a large air intake with red pinstripe, a gloss black grille with silver GT badge and distinctive LED "Ice Cube" daytime running lights—side skirts are also fitted.

The interior gains red accents including an overstitched GT badge on the bottom of the steering wheel, as well as Leather and Suede Recaro sports racing bucket seats and TFT instrument dial, allowing the driver to switch between an analogue speedometer and digital readout with boost pressure and torque meters.

[citation needed]The third-generation Ceed was announced in February 2018 and revealed ahead of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

A 48 volt mild hybrid diesel engine variant of the 1.6 Smartstream, called the 'EcoDynamics+', was added for the entire lineup in 2020.

The new Pro_Cee'd has been continually praised in reviews for its looks, with a more coupé-like appearance, more sporting stance, lower suspension (by 40 mm) and a smaller front grille.

Kia's Ex_cee'd cabriolet concept car premiered at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show in 2007 and was designed by Pontus Fontaeus.

Based on the three-door Cee'd hatchback (Pro_cee'd), the Ex_cee'd shares the same platform, but features different exterior panels and an electric folding fabric roof.

[34] Kia previewed a hybrid Cee'd concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show,[35] and operates an evaluation fleet of [clarification needed] in Europe[36]—with the hybrid models featuring an electric motor, powered by a high-voltage battery mounted behind the rear seats.

[41] The Kia Cee'd has been homologated for TCR-specification series and is manufactured and supplied by Austrian company STARD.

In 2015, Kia Australia announced that the Pro_Cee'd GT would no longer be offered in 2016, registering just 746 units over the two years on sale.