'99 Hyundai Lantra Sports-wagon is having trouble starting.?

The car was having trouble for a few weeks, on and off. Most of the time it would start fine but sometimes it would take a while to start. The engine would still crank normally and it'll sound like it's almost firing but doesn't for about a minute or so. It slowly happened more often until the other day when it just wouldn't start at all. The engine still cranks but with a difference this time. Every couple of seconds when you've got the key turned, cranking the engine, it will make a popping kind of sound from the exhaust area (not loud) and would stop cranking instantly, and then start cranking again only a second later. I'd crank the engine for about 2 minutes and it does the popping sound like maybe 15 - 20 times in that 2 minutes. Also when I go to the rear of the car, the smell of petrol is pretty strong. Just not sure if it's not getting the fuel, air or both. Or if it's the spark possibly. Anyone else had this issue with this car or know anything about these symptoms. I'm really quite broke and desperate for a break from this. I'd just finished spending over $1000 on my partners car. :-(