Perseverance Mars Rover (LEGO 42158)

About this set

This is LEGO Technic 42158, a Mars rover build with 1132 pieces and a 3/5 difficulty rating, sitting in the sci-fi category. The color scheme is white, black, gray and orange, and the box carries the LEGO TECHNIC branding and the 42158 code. The finished model centers on a six-wheel rocker-bogie structure, with each wheel linked through rocker and bogie arms. When building, assemble the left and right rocker assemblies separately first, then attach them to the main chassis, otherwise the six-wheel alignment tends to drift. The mast-mounted camera/sensor sits high at the front, and the robotic arm extends from the nose; both are the most recognizable exterior features. Route the gear transmission through the body and check gear meshing before closing up the panels. The set also includes a separate drone/helicopter model you can build on its own. It suits builders who have already handled Technic pins and axles; at 1132 pieces, spreading the build over two or three sessions works well.