New Zealand may be a different animal with aftermarket, but we can still get inexpensive rebuilt/new axles here for the XR2. Yes, they're the same as the 88/89 mazda 323 GT (you're right it has to be the turbo FWD sedan, awd is different & sohc/nonturbo are different)
Some newer Kias use an interchangeable axle on the driverside, but the passenger side lacks the intermediate shaft.