A stratified-charge combustion system design for direct-injection spark-ignited engines with the piston bowl in the exhaust-valve side. The air flow from the inlet valve provides a normal tumble in cylinder air flow. The fuel injector is positioned on the intake-valve side of the combustion cylinder and forms a charge stratification in the combustion chamber. With the piston bowl on the exhaust-valve side, the distance for spray penetration of the fuel from the injector is extended. The rate of fuel spray penetration in the combustion chamber is reduced by counter air flow against the fuel spray. The air-fuel mixture is moved upwardly to the area of the spark plug by the tumble air flow for ignition. The invention provides less piston bowl wall wetting which results in less soot formation and less emissions of undesirable hydrocarbons.