It sounds as if it is flooding. If it is a carburated engine, check the choke
operation.

OK, you have the 4G64-16v engine. The hard start symptoms are indicative of
either
a) not enough fuel, or
b) too much fuel.
c) maybe low coolant

I'd start with a). This can be the fuel filter (should be on the firewall),
or a partially blocked injector. Your garage can check the fuel pressure on
the injector rail. You can do this yourself, by removing the two M6 bolts
that hold the fuel supply hose to the injector rail. When you switch off,
there is residual pressure. VERY CAREFULLY pull the supply hose off just
enough to release pressure.

If you have not replaced your air filter, do so.

Take the injectors out and soak them in injector cleaner. Can't hurt, and
may be the problem.

b) one or more injectors is leaking fuel. If you've also noted an increase
in fuel consumption, this is most likley the problem. Take the injectors out
and soak them in injector cleaner.

Check all the little vacuum hoses for cracks. Replace as necessary.

It might be the distributor is not generating spark when hot. Unlikley as
the usual failure mode is no spark at all anytime.

c) low coolant can cause the coolant temp sensor (on the top rad hose to
engine housing) to send wrong values to the ECU. Its OK when cold, but hot
starts can be problematic. Make sure the coolant level is correct and air is
purged from the system.

Disconnect your battery for 30 seconds to reset the ECU.