VW Golf GTi or Mini Cooper S - and what spec?

My old man is looking at purchasing a replacement car in the near future. It's just him, but apparently likes the option to carry stuff / people. He's previously had A3 3.2s, Boxster S, Cayman, and latterly two Sciroccos (2.0 petrol and GTS).

He wants a "bit of poke" so seems to have settled (after 12 months of conversation) on either a Golf GTi or a Cooper S.

Now he's asking me what spec he should get. So, I'd welcome opinions. He'll go for the sat nav regardless, but are there specific options worth buying on the Golf or the Mini that assist with resale / desirability, as he tends to buy something else after 2 or 3 years.

Would a 5 door GTi be less attractive on the second hand market than the 3 door?

Thoughts welcomed.

Since his navigator (mum) died, he's more comfortable with a sat nav.

All requirements listed above are standard on the golf gti

Personally the GTI doesn't need any options ticking it's such a well specced package by default.

Standard kit is:
Winter pack (heated seats, washers, low washer warning etc)
Auto lights/wipers
Xenon lights
Sat nav
Front and rear parking sensors
Adaptive cruise control
Climate control
Keyless entry/go

Bragging rights????

Parking sensors can be useful as with cruise and bluetooth.

I use hire cars on a weekly basis and It's suprising how many cars are specced without a centre arm rest.

Many thanks