For those of you concerned with no emergency rear hatch release, I have a quick do-it-yourself release that is simple and quick.
First: Remove the coverhiding the latch assy. There are three retainers, one in the center, one on each end of the cover just above the cargo floor. Pull the pin from the center of the retainer, then remove the large portion of the retainer.
Second: Lift the cargo door up, then pull up sharply on the latch cover, it will now be free. There are 4 retainers securing the cover to the frame, if any remain in the frame, remove them and secure them in the cover.
Third: Inspect the latch assy, there is a small white plastic slide. If you slide it toward the passenger side, it will expose a small arm with a hole. I looped and crimped a 3 foot piece of 16 gauge solid wire through the hole, drilled a small hole in the passenger side of the hatch cover, ran the other end of the wire through the hole, cut off the excess wire, made a small loop and crimped the other end.
Final: Re-install the cover, make sure the cargo floor cover is above the latch cover before you snap the 4 yellow retainers in place.
You will need to remove and not use the cargo cover unless you are creative and route the cable beyond the seat backs.
If all goes well, you will have a small cable loop exposed for emergency use.

 

Thanks for the info. Seems easy enough - why can't MINI provide such a simple mod / upgrade?