A method of controlling an engine includes initiating a transition from homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) to spark ignited (SI) combustion mode of the engine under low load. The method includes commanding an exhaust valve actuator to increase lift of the exhaust valve to maximize expulsion of combustion chamber contents. The method also includes injecting into the combustion chamber sufficient amount of fuel after the lift of the exhaust valve was increased to generate substantially stoichiometric air-fuel ratio of the gas mixture contained in the chamber. The method also includes igniting the gas mixture after the fuel was injected into the combustion chamber to maximize combustion of the gas mixture. The method additionally includes commanding an intake camshaft phaser to change the position of the intake camshaft to a position configured for predetermined throttled SI combustion mode after the gas mixture was ignited to maximize operating efficiency of the engine.