The second-generation Kia cee'd (JD) premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Designed under Peter Schreyer, its sleek stance featured sweeping character lines and chrome window surrounds. The 5-door hatchback spanned 4,310 mm while the Sportswagon extended to 4,505 mm. Interior refinement saw massive gains in sound insulation, structural rigidity, and features like the Flex Steer adjustable steering mode system. This generation of the Ceed (JD) was produced from 2012 to 2018 and offered in хэтчбек, универсал body styles. Built on an engineered platform, it features strong structural rigidity, refined aerodynamics, and advanced occupant safety engineering.

Powertrains included 1.4-liter MPI (100 hp), 1.6-liter MPI (130 hp), and 1.6-liter GDI direct-injection (135 hp) petrol engines, plus 1.4L and 1.6L CRDi diesels (up to 136 hp). The high-performance cee'd GT arrived featuring a 204-hp 1.6-liter T-GDI turbo engine. A 2015 update brought a new 1.0-liter 3-cylinder T-GDI engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The powertrain lineup features modern engines optimized for thermal efficiency, balancing responsive acceleration with economical fuel consumption. Power is delivered through reliable manual or automatic transmissions.