I know its not mentioned on the competition list but anyone looking in this segment and have no need or want of AWD then I would seriously put the Soul (yes I know I'm bias 'cause I own one, but I have taken a very close look at this HR-V, but haven't driven it) on your comparison shopping list.
It is about 7" shorter than the HR-V but about the same height and certainly matches it for passenger room. For $505 more than this HR-V LX 6-spd manual reviewed you can get a 2016 Soul EX with a 6-speed auto and a 2.0L engine with 164 hp (what I have in mine). On my generation 1 version on my unscientific tests at 90kmph = 2000 rpm and at 110 kmph = 2400, not sure if G2 would be any less but it certainly won't be any higher.
I have driven the G2 version and its quite an improvement on ride and NHV compared to mine, also noticed that on hard acceleration is was quieter under the same conditions. I've never encountered any problem merging into traffic from ramps on the 401.
Like any comparison between manufacturers there is good and bad features, so many times its what's the best package overall. The Soul does come with a 2 yr /40,000 km longer warranty than the Honda which is a $1048 additional charge to match it. According to many of the surveys on reliability it more than matches the Honda in this regard.
I checked out the HR-V EX FWD and liked the large display screen but didn't like that there was no knobs for it; very limited (4) exterior colour choices; the variety of displays for the rear camera was good; light coloured fabric inside but that varied depending on the exterior colour; didn't care for the location of the rear centre seat belt in the roof mine is built-into the seat; no glove box light, no under floor storage other than what's around the spare but the floor level is deeper; no rear centre armrest and a hood prop instead of self-holding. It has an electronic parking brake.
I was comparing this particular HR-V GS FWD to the 2016 Soul SX model as they are very close in MSRP (Honda is $495 more), but the Soul has a $200 up charge for the specific colour we like (have choice of 9). The Soul comes standard with leather seats, heated steering wheel, power folding mirrors, glove box light, cooling glove box, the UVO system but its a smaller screen than the Honda (wish it was larger) but its very easy to use and with knobs! Supervision instrument cluster which was much nicer and more features than the Honda.
The Soul also had the push-button start and Smart key like the Honda (but apparently works better), also has heated front seats; it doesn't have a CD player and the Honda does but I never use the one I have.
Also noticed the high cost of many regular accessories on the Honda vs the Soul (eg. Side window visors: HR-V $265 installed; Soul about $150 installed.
Anyway there is more, but that gives you some idea and my 2 cents worth
here's a close up and id of the Honda HR-V EX instrument cluster. I thought the select/reset knob was a bit '90's