In this study, experimental approaching method was applied under and single-cylinder engine to research the performance of direct needle-driven piezo injector (DPI) for CR direct-injection. As key-point factor of this DPI that relies on direct-acting operating of injector needle, unlike conventional hydraulic-servo, its nozzle needle can be directly driven by piezo actuator. Thus, effect of direct-acting injection of DPI on diesel combustion and emission characteristics was investigated under common-rail single-cylinder direct-injection engine, equipped with three different driving mechanism, including indirect-acting solenoid, piezo and DPI system. As main results, it found that a direct-acting piezo injector has higher of IMEP. And it has higher heat release rate during premixed combustion and mixing controlled combustion phase due to its higher heat release, even though nitrogen oxide (NOx) formations were increased slightly.