A single-cylinder test engine model was built by GT-Power software, and the effects of internal exhaust gas recirculation (i-EGR), external EGR (e-EGR), i-EGR/e-EGR coupling and the crank angle degree at which 50% of total heat loss has taken place (CA50) on combustion and emission characteristics of gasoline compression ignition at low-load condition were analysed. The results show that the ignition delay period with e-EGR was extended slightly with the increased EGR ratio, while that with i-EGR strategy first shortened and then extended, and that the optimised indicated thermal efficiency could be achieved using a small amount of i-EGR. With the same EGR ratio, nitrogen oxide (NO