In a direct injection internal combustion engine, a stratification combustion condition, a homogeneous combustion condition and an intermediate combustion condition which is intermediate the stratification combustion and the homogeneous combustion conditions are controlled selectively according to an operation condition of at least one selected from a combustion condition, an output condition of the engine and an acceleration condition of a vehicle. Without defeating an intended low fuel consumption operation, the engine operates to obtain a reduction of harmful exhaust gas. As a result, by assuring the low fuel consumption operation, an improvement in combustion stability and smoke reduction can both be realized.