Adult occupant
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both front seat occupants. Kia showed that a similar level of protection would be available to occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. In the side barrier test, the Cee'd scored maximum points, providing good protection for all body areas. However, in the more severe side pole test, protection of the chest was weak and that of the abdomen was marginal. The seat and head restraint offered good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

Child occupant
The Cee'd scored maximum points in the dynamic tests for its protection of both the 3 year child and 18 month infant, as indicated by dummy readings. The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward-facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. Clear information is provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag and the system was rewarded. Clear warnings are given of the dangers of using a rearward-facing child seat in the passenger position without first disabling the airbag.

Pedestrian
The protection provided by the bumper was predominantly good but the front edge of the bonnet was marginal in most areas tested. In most areas where the head of a child might strike the bonnet, good protection was provided. However, the protection offered to an adult's head was predominantly poor or marginal.

Safety assist
Electronic stability control is standard equipment and met Euro NCAP's test requirements. A seatbelt reminder system is standard for the driver, passenger and rear seats. The speed limitation device was not assessed as it is not available as standard equipment on all variants.