Lego have shown a great inconsistency in their character designs through the years, None more than the Hoth Trooper, the first that appeared was back in 1999 in the Snow Speeder set 7130, whilst the helmet design wasn't anything special, it took 11 years before it became an "at a glance" recognisable. During those intervening years there were a couple of minor changes, in 2003, the visor changed to goggles in the new Speeder set, (more of a re-issue than anything). Then in 2007 in the Hoth Rebel Base set 7666, he got fleshed out with a standard flesh head and had a leg colour change. Finally in 2009 a minor adjustment to the goggles in set 7749 before someone decided a major change was required and in early 2010 the next incarnation in the "Rebel Trooper Battle Pack" appeared. Considering this fig has changed from each release, it'll be interesting if it changes again and if Lego go for a SFH if released again.

This is the original figure released. Great face on this one and the torso design is also very good. Generally, all round I love this figure, although I do wonder why it wasn't released in more sets.

 

 

 
HOTH TROOPER I   CODE: sw016 SET/S: 7130

This is the second version of this figure released, The only difference I can note being the goggles replacing the visor.

 

 

 
HOTH TROOPER II   CODE: sw108 SET/S: 4500

This is the third incarnation(?) of the Hoth Trooper and Lego scrimp again using a SFH, seriously what's wrong with the other two already produced and fleshing them out??? When you take in consideration the cost of the set, you'd expect a couple more pennies to have been spent on some unique or quality looking characters/figs.

HOTH TROOPER III   CODE: sw167 SET/S: 7666

Read the above. All that's different here is the goggles, they've changed to a more broader ski mask type.

HOTH TROOPER IV   CODE: sw252 SET/S: 7749

Here's the fifth incarnation of the Hoth Trooper. Here the Helmet/cap is the point of interest, a complete redesign and what a very good job Lego have done with it. The goggles that changed from the round type to the more ski mask type in the fourth version, can either be placed as pictured or click into place over the eye's. Added with a new torso design, this fig over all is a great addition and the best of it's kind so far.

 
HOTHTROOPER V   CODE: sw259 SET/S: 8083