My advice (and probably backed up by numerous others) is not to floor it when the engine is cold
Although I can't comment on the petrol smell, it's normal for engines to hold back a bit from cold (all my petrol cars have been like that). I'm sure it's down to the fact that modern engines are designed to run best when warm
and when they are "on choke" they never run at their best.
Highly strung N/A engines such as Civic Type-R and Clio 182 are much worse than the GTI for this.
Best just to put up with it and drive gently until the engine is warm. . . Then enjoy
(bare in mind oil doesnt get warm until about 10mins after the water gauge is at 90 degrees)