A method for controlling an engine includes, when the engine is operating within a particular range with comparatively low engine speed and high load, setting an effective compression ratio of 10:1 or above, retarding ignition timing by a predetermined amount and retarding the ignition timing within a first, relatively low engine speed range more than within a second, higher engine speed range, setting an injection mode of an injection valve to divided injections performed at least twice in a period from an intake stroke to an earlier-half stage of a compression stroke, performing, within the first engine speed range, a final injection in the earlier-half stage of the compression stroke, and performing, within the second engine speed range, the final injection in a late stage of the intake stroke and at least one injection other than the final injection in a middle stage of the intake stroke.