Back to the topic.
I think the standard colours for the GTI's, red, white, black...VW have them looking great. I've only ever really liked the pearlesant paints anyway and have never really been a metalic lover. As for protection, that laquer finish will be a ba5tard should it get scratched, mine got scratched and its looking fine now, Id probably never got it looking as good should I have had the lacquer finish. With the right care, attention and some good old detailing, a standard colour car can be protected pretty decently I'd say.